Water-based coating compositions and systems with improved sag resistance and related methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a system for monitoring and controlling an industrial paint operation, where a five-sided intermodal shipping container is painted with a water-based coating composition. The system includes a paint application system, a drying system with a chamber configured to handle one or more intermodal shipping containers, and modules for monitoring and controlling the application of paint and the drying of the applied paint.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/717,221, filed Dec. 17, 2012, which is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/057010, filed 20 Oct. 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/450,481, filed 8 Mar. 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water-based coating systems and methods used to form protective coatings on substrates and in particular metal containing substrates. More particularly, the present invention relates to coating compositions, methods, and coating systems involving an aqueous coating composition. These coatings are typically used as a primer coat (also referred to as a base coat) or as a direct-to-metal coat (“DTM”), wherein the aqueous coating composition preferably has a sufficiently high loading of one or more clay anti-sag agents (hereinafter “CAS agents”), and/or the coating is applied in a controlled humidity environment, to promote enhanced performance of the resultant coatings with respect to sag resistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intermodal cargo containers (also referred to as freight or shipping containers) are reusable transport and storage units for moving products and raw materials between locations, including between countries. Intermodal cargo containers are standardized to facilitate intermodal transport such as among marine transport, freight train transport, and freight truck transport. Standardization of cargo containers also is referred to as containerization.

Containerization has provided global commerce with many benefits. Shipped goods move more easily and cheaply. Manufacturers know that goods loaded at one location can be readily unloaded at the destination. Cargo security has been improved, as containers are usually sealed and can be locked to discourage tampering and theft. Containers also have a longer service life, and there is a stronger market for used containers. Additionally, the costs of cargo containers themselves is lowered because a manufacturer can make these in larger volume knowing that potential customers are available all over the world.

Several international standards have been created to promote international containerization. For instance, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has promulgated applicable standards including R-668 to define terminology, dimensions, and ratings; R-790 to define identification markings; R-1161 to recommend corner fittings; and R-1897 to set forth dimensions for general purpose containers. Other standards include ASTM D5728-00, ISO 9897 (1997); ISO 14829 (2002); ISO 17363 (2007); ISO/PAS 17712 (2006); ISO 18185 (2007); and ISO/TS 10891 (2009). An international specification for coating/paint performance is provided by IICL (Institute of International Container Lessors). See also International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Freight Containers, Vol. 34 of ISO Standards Handbook, 4th Ed., 2006, ISBN 92-67-10426-8; and Levinson, Marc, The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger, Princeton, N.J., Princeton University Press, 2006, ISBN 0691123241. Each of these standards and publications is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

Cargo containers experience harsh, corrosive environments during their service life. When shipped by sea, the containers are exposed to the corrosive effects of salt water. When exposed to nature, the containers must withstand wind, sun, hail, rain, sand, heat, and the like. Containers exposed to the sun can bake to temperatures of 82° C. (180° F.) or even higher.

Accordingly, cargo containers must be made in a way that allows the containers to survive this exposure for a reasonable service life. As one strategy, containers can be made from corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel, weather steel (also known as weathering steel, COR-TEN brand steel, or CORTEN brand steel). Even when made from such corrosion resistant materials, it still generally is desirable to further apply durable, abrasion resistant, corrosion resistant coatings on the containers as further protection against degradation. Coatings also may be used for decorative, informative, or brand identity reasons.

A typical coating strategy involves applying a top coating over a primer coating. Often, the coatings are applied to one or more vertical surfaces. Historically, mostly solvent-based coating systems have been used to protect cargo containers as many proposed water-based systems have been unable to satisfy the applicable performance demands and/or standards. In particular, waterborne coatings are difficult to apply in widely varying humidity conditions, as an applied film of the coating stays wet for a longer period of time and/or does not dry uniformly, resulting in increased sag of the coating if the viscosity does not recover within the drying period. Consequently, only solvent-based coating systems have found widespread commercial acceptance in the industry. The container industry retains a strong bias against using water-based coating systems.

With increased environmental awareness, there is a strong desire to develop improved technology that would allow use of water-based coating systems to protect cargo containers or other substrates (e.g., vehicles such as rail cars or trucks).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The systems and method described in this application may be used to dry a wide variety of shipping containers. For example, in one embodiment the containers may be open-topped containers suitable for overseas transport of goods. These containers are typically transported overseas on a container ship to a port, where they are unloaded from the ship and optionally transported by train and/or truck to their final destination. Such shipping containers are typically about 20 feet long, about 7.5 feet wide, and about 7.5 feet high, with an internal volume of about 1136 ft3, or about 40 feet long, about 7.5 ft wide, and about 7.5 feet high, with an internal volume of 2350 ft.

If dried under identical drying conditions, the water in water-based paints does not evaporate as quickly as the solvents in solvent-based paints. If a conventional drying chamber is used to dry shipping containers to which a water-based paint has been applied, the paint on the container does not adequately dry in a reasonable amount of time, which increases operating costs and adversely affects the appearance of the painted container. It is typically not cost-effective to extend the length of the drying chamber or significantly increase the air flow capacity of the system that applies the heated air to the drying chamber.

The present disclosure is directed to a low-cost system and method for drying five-sided containers to which at least one coat of a water-based paint has been applied, and a system for monitoring and controlling application of the water-based paint. The system, which includes a drying chamber and conventional blowers and heaters, may be installed in a shipping facility at low cost, or may be easily retrofitted to existing drying chambers. One such system is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/837,833, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRYING FIVE-SIDED CONTAINER, filed Jul. 16, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,458).

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a processor-based system for monitoring and optimizing an industrial painting operation. The system includes a paint application system, a drying system including a chamber configured to handle one or more intermodal shipping containers, at least one date acquisition module configured to receive characteristics of the operation, and at least one process control module in communication with the operation.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for monitoring an industrial intermodal container painting operation. The method includes steps of applying one or more layers of paint to the container in a paint application system, introducing the painted container into a drying system that provides a flow of heated air to at least the inside surfaces of the shipping container, and establishing an acceptable range for at least one characteristic of the operation. This is followed by steps to retrieve at least one value corresponding to the at least one characteristic, analyzing the at least one value, and assessing whether the at least one value is within the acceptable range.

As an overview, the present invention provides a system and method for drying intermodal shipping containers, a system for monitoring the industrial process of painting the containers, and water-based compositions suitable to form primer coats (or DTM coats) on substrates as well as top coat compositions suitable to form top coats directly or indirectly on underlying coatings. Desirably, the water-based composition incorporates one or more CAS agents in an amount sufficient to prevent the coating from sagging to an undue degree as the composition dries in a variety of humidity environments (i.e. in a humid environment, and/or in a relatively dry environment).

This finding has solved a challenging problem that has frustrated the introduction of water-based coatings for use in the shipping container market. Namely, it has been very difficult to formulate water-based coating systems that show acceptable sag resistance while drying on an underlying container surface in a variety of humidity environments. Many conventional water-based systems, especially those that include a chlorinated resin such as PVDC, have failed to pass applicable sag resistance tests in a variety of humidity environments (e.g., in confined areas and/or outside areas that have high humidity due to, e.g., the season, geographical location, combinations of these and the like, and/or in a relatively dry environment). The coatings sag to an undue degree, e.g., as the wet coating film dries while the underlying substrate is positioned in a vertical manner and gravity is acting on the drying film. Thus, there has been a strong need to improve the sag resistance of these coatings and to increase their useful operating range (i.e., being able to dry without sagging in relatively humid environments as well as relatively dry environments). The industry strongly desires a commercially available, water-based coating system that is able to satisfy the stringent demands of the intermodal cargo container industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides water-based compositions that can be used to form coatings such as a primer coat with excellent sag resistance. An aqueous coating composition according to the present invention can have an atypically high loading of one or more CAS agents (e.g., 1.5 to 5 times the level of conventional amounts), to help make the coatings more resistant to sagging while the coating dries in a relatively humid environment. Advantageously, the selected CAS agents do not undesirably impact viscosity, and/or dry time of the coating composition and/or do not have their sag resistant functionality compromised to an undue degree. Surprisingly, including elevated levels of one or more CAS agents in preferred aqueous coating compositions according to the present invention does not undesirably impact viscosity, dry time, and/or sag resistant functionality over a wide range of humidity (e.g., from 45 to 95%) and/or pH (e.g., from pH of 5-8).

Unfortunately, adjusting the type and amount of many types of sag resistance agents and thickeners can be challenging in the context of a water-based composition because one or more physical and/or rheological parameters can be impacted to an undue degree, e.g., dry time and/or viscosity. Also, if the pH of the aqueous composition changes for any reason (e.g., becomes more acidic as the coating dries) the functionality of the sag resistance can be undesirably affected.

As an example, if the viscosity of an aqueous coating composition increases too much, it can become very difficult to apply the composition in a practical manner and/or the dry time can be undesirably increased because the highly viscous liquid tends to inhibit the release of water so as to let the coating dry. Also for example, if the pH decreases too much, such as when a coating releases ammonia during drying, the acidic coating composition can etch the underlying substrate to an undue degree and/or the sag resistant functionality of the selected sag resistant agent or thickener may be comprised to an undue degree by a change in pH. For example, a change in pH as the coating composition dries can occur in the context of aqueous coating compositions that include an acidic chlorinated resin such as polyvinylidene chloride.

Increasing the levels of CAS agents beyond conventional levels for use in a humid drying environment can be counterintuitive for several reasons. For example, conventional wisdom holds that the viscosity will increase when excessive amounts of CAS agents are used to a degree such that the release of water from the composition may be inhibited and the dry time will thereby be undesirably increased. As yet another example, increasing the levels of CAS agents beyond conventional levels (e.g., above one pound of CAS agent per 100 pounds (0.12 kg of CAS agents per 100 L) of aqueous coating composition) is counterintuitive because hydrophilic clay-based materials are hygroscopic and they may further inhibit the release of water from the composition and thereby increase dry time to an undue degree.

Surprisingly, increasing the level of CAS agents beyond conventional levels prevents undue sagging in a humid environment, yet allows water to be released from the coating and does not impact dry time to an undue degree.

In addition to controlling sag resistance using specific agents or thickeners, it is possible to improve sag resistance of the primer composition using other types of thickeners or rheology agents, if the system used to apply and dry/cure the coating includes measures to control humidity. By controlling the humidity conditions in the spray booth when the coating is applied, and in the oven during drying/cure of the coating, a wet film of the coating is allowed to dry uniformly in a way that eliminates problems associated with sag caused by high humidity environments (i.e. the shear forces acting on a wet film applied to a vertically positioned substrate).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a conventional drying chamber used to dry a five-sided intermodal shipping container coated with a solvent-based paint.

FIG. 2a is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an application system used to paint a five-sided intermodal shipping container coated with a water-based paint.

FIG. 2b is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a drying system used to dry a five-sided intermodal shipping container coated with a water-based paint.

FIG. 3 is a schematic overhead view of the drying chamber of FIG. 2, showing multiple intermodal shipping containers moving through the drying chamber.

FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drying chamber used to dry a five-sided intermodal shipping container coated with a water-based paint.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a computer-based monitoring system integrated with a painting operation for a five-sided intermodal shipping container coated with a water-based paint.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a computer-based industrial control system for a painting operation for a five-sided intermodal shipping container coated with a water-based paint.

FIG. 7 is a representation of a thermal scan image used to monitor rates of drying in a painting operation for a five-sided intermodal shipping container coated with a water-based paint.

FIG. 8 is a representation of a thermal scan image used to monitor rates of drying in painting operation where multiple intermodal shipping containers move through a drying chamber.

Like symbols and reference numerals in the drawings are used to designate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention. All patents, pending patent applications, published patent applications, and technical articles cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties for all purposes.

The aqueous coating compositions of the present invention can be used to form a primer coating on a substrate (or a “DTM” coating). In certain embodiments, the aqueous coating composition can be used as a first aqueous composition in a coating system of the present invention. For simplicity purposes, but without limitation, the aqueous coating composition of the present invention will be described below in the detailed description as a first aqueous composition in the context of a coating system of the present invention.

In an embodiment, a coating system of the present invention generally and preferably includes a first aqueous coating composition that can be used to form a corrosion resistant primer coating on a substrate (or a DTM coating). The system, when the first aqueous coating is used as a primer, desirably and optionally further includes a second aqueous coating composition that can be used to form a durable, abrasion resistant top coating over the first/primer coating. Related coating systems are described in Assignee's co-pending application, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/452,538, filed 20 Apr. 2012, which claims priority to U.S. App. Ser. Nos. 61/450,471, filed 8 Mar. 2011 and 61/394,972, filed 20 Oct. 2011.

In an embodiment, the first aqueous coating composition generally and preferably includes ingredients comprising at least a first resin component in admixture with in an aqueous carrier and one or more CAS agents dispersed in the aqueous coating composition. The first aqueous coating composition of the invention may be a single phase solution in which one or more ingredients including at least the first resin component are substantially fully dissolved in the aqueous carrier. Alternatively, the coating compositions may include two or more phases. Compositions including two or more phases may be in the form of dispersions such as a dispersion in which one or more phases are dispersed in a continuous phase of another material and/or phase. Many dispersions are in the form of suspensions including but not limited to colloidal suspensions. In some embodiments, coating compositions are in the form of a latex or emulsion including polymer microparticles dispersed in an aqueous carrier. As used herein, a “latex” polymer means that a polymer is in admixture with an aqueous carrier with the help of at least one emulsifying agent (e.g., a surfactant) for creating an emulsion of polymer particles in the carrier.

In some embodiments, the compositions described herein may be water-reducible meaning that the composition remains stable if diluted with additional amounts of water. For water-reducible compositions, some embodiments use at least one polymer that is capable of being dispersed in water without requiring the use of a separate surfactant, although separate surfactants could be used if desired. Polymers that can be dispersed in water without requiring a separate surfactant often include pendant ionic functionality and/or hydrophilic chain segments that render corresponding regions of the polymer to be more compatible with water. External acids or bases may be required for anionic stabilization, but such acids and bases usually are different than the emulsifying agents (e.g., surfactants) that are used to disperse a latex polymer.

In an embodiment, the first resin component includes at least one film-forming resin that desirably helps the overlying top coat adhere better to the underlying substrate and/or in combination with the top coat provides additional protection for the substrate. In those embodiments intended to be used on coated or uncoated metal substrates, the resin(s) of the first resin component desirably form(s) a coating that is sufficiently impermeable to water vapor or liquid as well as desirably hydrophobic to help reduce oxidation or other degradation that could be caused by moisture.

The resin(s) useful in the first resin component may be thermosetting and/or thermoplastic. Conveniently, one or more of these are thermoplastic. Further, some embodiments of a thermoplastic resin useful in the practice of the present invention may be amorphous, crystalline or semicrystalline. Illustrative resins used in the first resin component include acyclic, cyclic, branched, linear, aliphatic, or aromatic resins. Thermoplastic resins desirably have a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) that is below about 65° C., preferably below about 45° C., more preferably below about 25° C. It is also desirable that such resins desirably have a minimum film forming temperature that is greater than about −50° C., preferably greater than −25° C., more preferably greater than about 0° C.

The molecular weight(s) of the one or more resins of the first resin component independently may vary over a wide range. If the molecular weight is too low, then the coating may not be durable enough or may not be resistant to solvent attack. If too high, then the coating may not be easy to apply at sufficient solids level. Balancing such concerns, the number average molecular weight desirably is in the range from about 5,000 to 75,000, more preferably about 10,000 to 50,000, more preferably from about 10,000 to 20,000; and the weight average molecular weight is in the range from about 10,000 to 150,000, more preferably about 20,000 to 80,000, more preferably about 35,000 to 55,000. As used herein, molecular weight refers to the number average molecular weight (Mn) unless otherwise expressly noted.

Preferably, the first resin component includes at least one chlorinated resin derived from one or more reactants, wherein at least one of the reactant(s) is at least partially chlorinated. Chlorinated resins help to provide coatings with excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments in which substrates protected by the coating system are exposed to solvents, fresh water, salt water, and the like. The Cl substituents of the chlorinated reactant(s) may be attached directly to the reactant backbone by a single bond or via a suitable linking group. In some embodiments, chlorinated reactants may be monomeric, oligomeric, and/or polymeric. In some embodiments, free radically polymerizable functionality may be present.

In addition to one or more chlorinated reactants, one or more additional copolymerizable monomers, oligomers, and/or resins may also be used with the chlorinated resins, if desired. The chlorinated reactant(s) desirably constitute at least 50 weight percent, more preferably at least 70 weight percent, even more preferably at least 85 weight percent, and even up to 100 weight percent of the resultant chlorinated resin(s).

The Cl content of the resultant chlorinated resin can vary over a wide range. Thus, resin embodiments can be partially chlorinated or perchlorinated. If the Cl content is too low, the corrosion protection provided by the resin may be less than is desired. The Cl content can be characterized as the weight percent of Cl included in the chlorinated resin. For higher levels of corrosion protection, it is desirable that a chlorinated resin includes at least about 20 weight percent Cl, preferably at least about 40 weight percent Cl, and more preferably at least about 60 weight percent Cl. Perchlorinated embodiments represent a practical upper limit upon Cl content.

Chlorinated resins of the type described herein may be made by radical polymerization of chlorinated monomers. Chlorinated monomers preferably include, for example, reactants with free radically polymerizable functionality (e.g., carbon-carbon double bonds), and have structures including 2 to 20, preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond. More preferred are chlorinated ethenes, chlorinated propenes, and combinations of these, such as monochloroethene, 1,1-dicholoro ethane, 1,2-dichloroethene, 1,1,2-trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, 1-chloropropene, 2-chloropropene, 1,1-dichloropropene, 2,2-dichloropropene, 1,2-dichloropropene, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-propene, 1,1,2-1-propene, 1,2,3-trichloropropene, combinations of these, and the like.

Chlorinated resins of the type described herein also may be by radical polymerization of chlorinated monomers with monomers or comonomers of ethylenically unsaturated esters, amides, and anhydrides of carboxylic acid. Suitable ethylenically unsaturated comonomers include, for example, (meth)acrylic acid and derivatives such as glycidyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid, methylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylic, t-butylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylamide, 4-pentanoguanamine, hydroxylalkyl esters such as hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylonitrile, N-alkoxyalkyl amides such as methoxymethyl (meth)acrylamide and butoxy-(methyl) acrylamide, and hydroxyalkyl amides such as N-methylol (meth)acrylamide, dicarboxylic acids such as maleic acid, corresponding anhydrides of these (if any), combinations of these, and the like.

Preferred chlorinated resins may be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,341,679; 4,401,788; 4,435,478; 4,543,386; and 4,783,499.

In addition to the one or more Cl substituents and free radically polymerizable functionality, the chlorinated reactants used to make chlorinated resins may otherwise be substituted or unsubstituted with additional kinds of functionality, including epoxy-functionality, for example. Such functionality optionally may be used for crosslinking. As an additional option, such functionality may be used to provide the resin with integral dispersing functionality. Some substituents may be co-members of a ring structure. Examples of other substituents include hydroxyl, thiol, amino, amide, isocyanate, nitrile, carboxy, sulfate, sulfite, fatty acid, epoxide, and combinations of these groups.

The composition may also contain one or more other types of free-radical addition polymers (e.g. produced by the free-radical addition polymerization or copolymerization in aqueous emulsion of one or more monomers such as vinylidene chloride, alkyl(meth)acrylates having 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, alkoxyalkyl(meth)acrylates having 1 to 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, styrene, (meth)acrylonitrile, allyloxy groups, cyanate ester groups, vinyl acetate, vinyl ether groups, vinyl chloride, ethylene, cis- and trans-1,3-butadiene, cis- and trans-isoprene, cis- and trans-chloroprene, 1-decene, 1-pentene, and 1-octene, combinations of these and the like.

Free radically polymerizable functionality is conveniently reacted by exposing the reactants to a suitable source of curing energy, often in the presence of agents (e.g., initiators, etc.) that help promote the desired reaction. The energy source used for achieving polymerization and/or crosslinking of the curable functionality may be actinic (e.g., radiation having a wavelength in the ultraviolet or visible region of the spectrum), accelerated particles (e.g., electron beam radiation), thermal (e.g., heat or infrared radiation), or the like.

A particularly preferred chlorinated resin is polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC). As used herein, polyvinylidene chloride refers to a resin in which 1,1-dichloroethene constitutes at least 40 weight percent, optionally at least 60 weight percent, further optionally at least about 75 weight percent, further optionally at least about 90 weight percent, and optionally even up to 100 percent by weight of the reactants used to make the resin. A wide range of suitable embodiments of polyvinylidene chloride resins are available from commercial sources. Commercially available embodiments include, without limitation, those available under the trade designations DIOFAN (available from Dow Chemical and/or Solvay Plastics), POLIDENE (e.g., 33-082, 33-038, 33-086, 33-083, 33-075, and 33-081 available from Scott Bader), HALOFLEX (e.g., 202 and 202S available from DSM Neoresins), PERMAX (e.g., 803 and 805 available from Lubrizol), combinations of these, and the like. In an aspect, PVDC or other commercially available chlorinated resins may be modified with specific functionality, such as epoxy-functionality, for example.

In one preferred mode of the invention, an aqueous PVDC composition is treated to raise its pH to thereby make the composition less acidic (e.g., such that it has a pH in the range of from 3 to 8). Adjusting the pH in such a manner is described in Assignee's co-pending Assignee's co-pending application, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/452,538, filed 20 Apr. 2012, which claims priority to U.S. App. Ser. Nos. 61/450,471, filed 8 Mar. 2011 and 61/394,972, filed 20 Oct. 2011.

The first resin component preferably includes at least about 50 weight percent, more preferably about 50 to 70 weight percent, and most preferably about 75 to 100 weight percent of a chlorinated resin, such as PVDC, for example.

In addition to the chlorinated resin(s), the first aqueous coating composition optionally may include one or more other kinds of resin components. Preferably these are hydrophobic and substantially miscible with chlorinated resins so that any undesirable amounts of phase separation among resins is substantially avoided. Exemplary resins include epoxies, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyimides, halogenated polymers, polysilicones, polyesters, alkyds, polyolefins, (meth)acrylic resins, combinations of these and the like. Acrylic latex emulsions are preferred, including, for example, polyurethane dispersions (PUD), all-acrylic emulsions, styrene-acrylic emulsions, and acrylic-modified alkyd resin dispersions. In an aspect, styrene-acrylic emulsions are preferred. The amount of these may be selected from a wide range, balancing concerns of compatibility against performance of the coating, in terms of corrosion resistance and heat resistance. In a preferred aspect, the first aqueous coating composition includes up to about 50 wt %, preferably about 5 to 50 wt %, preferably about 5 to 50 wt %, more preferably about 15 to 40 wt %, and most preferably about 20 to 30 wt % of acrylic latex emulsion, based on the total weight of resin components in the first aqueous coating composition.

The amount of first resin component in the first aqueous coating composition may be selected from a wide range. Generally, if the amount of resin component is too low, then it may be difficult to form a film, more difficult to form a film that has sufficient adhesion to the substrate, the film may have insufficient corrosion resistance or other performance, and/or the like. If too much is used, then it may be harder to formulate a pigmented system or it may be more difficult to make a material that can be applied to the substrate. Balancing such concerns, the first aqueous coating composition preferably includes from about 10 to about 70 weight percent, more preferably about 15 to about 50 weight percent, and most preferably about 20 to about 40 weight percent of the first resin component based on the total weight of the aqueous coating composition.

The first resin component is in admixture with an aqueous carrier. As used herein, “aqueous” means that at least about 5 weight percent, preferably at least about 20 weight percent, more preferably at least about 40 weight percent, and even more preferably at least about 60 weight percent of the carrier, and even 90 weight percent or more is water, based upon the total weight of the carrier. Most preferably, from about 85 weight percent to about 100 weight percent, more preferably about 95 to about 99 weight percent is water.

In addition to water, the aqueous carrier of the first aqueous coating composition optionally may include one or more additional, optional co-carriers. Co-carrier(s) may be used for a variety of purposes, including helping in film formation and/or paint stability. Examples of suitable co-carriers include butyl cellosolve, alcohol(s), such as butanol, coalescing agents (e.g., ester alcohol(s), such as the Eastman Texanol product and/or low VOC coalescents such as are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,762,230 and 7,812,079), glycol ether(s), combinations of these, and the like. Desirably, so-called VOC-exempt co-carrier(s) are preferred.

The amount of co-carrier included in the first aqueous coating composition can vary over a wide range. The amount(s) to use will depend on factors including the type of co-carrier, the purpose for which the co-carrier is being added, the coating technique(s) that might be used to apply the first aqueous coating composition onto a substrate, and the like. In illustrative embodiments, the first aqueous coating composition may include from about 0.3 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, desirably 0.3 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, more desirably about 1 to about 5 weight percent of co-carrier(s) based on the total weight of co-carrier and water included in the composition.

In addition to the first resin component and the aqueous carrier, the first aqueous coating composition preferably includes a sufficient amount of one or more CAS agents to provide sag resistance. As used herein, a “CAS agent” refers to a clay material or clay-based material that can be included in an aqueous coating composition according to the present invention in an amount sufficient so that the aqueous coating composition resists flow to a desirable degree as it dries after being applied as a film on a vertical substrate (i.e., does not sag to an undue degree). For example, a CAS agent as used herein refers to a material that can help an aqueous coating composition according to the present invention satisfy the Wet Sag Resistant Test described in below in the Examples. A CAS agent can include, as a main component (at least 50 percent by weight), a silicate mineral having a layer-like crystal structure. Examples thereof include smectite, bentonite, montmorillonite, saponite, hectorite, and the like. One preferred clay material includes bentonite. These clay minerals may be used alone or in a mixture of two or more kinds thereof and are typically hydrophilic and hygroscopic.

Applicants discovered that an unconventionally high level of CAS agents can prevent the aqueous coating composition from sagging while drying in a relatively humid environment, yet not impact viscosity and/or not impact dry time and/or not be affected by coating composition pH to an undue degree. Increasing the level of CAS agents beyond conventional levels is counterintuitive because CAS agents are known to increase viscosity and can be hygroscopic. Moreover, the effectiveness of CAS agents in the humid environments is highlighted by the observation that increasing the levels of non-clay-based thickeners (e.g., associative thickeners) did not improve sag resistance across a humidity range. It is noted that including one or more CAS agents in the first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention can provide suitable sag resistance in humid environments as well as relatively dry environments.

One or more CAS agents can be present in an amount that can prevent a coating of the aqueous composition on a vertical substrate from sagging while drying in a variety of humidity environments and conditions. In certain embodiments, the drying environment has a humidity in the range of from 50 to 99 percent relative humidity, more typically in the range of from 50 to 90 percent relative humidity. As used herein, “relative humidity” can be expressed as the ratio of the vapor partial pressure of the air to the saturation vapor partial pressure of the air at the actual dry bulb temperature. Relative humidity by partial pressure is expressed as follows:

φ=(p _(w) /p _(ws))*100%

-   -   where     -   φ=relative humidity (%)     -   p_(w)=vapor partial pressure     -   p_(ws)=saturation vapor partial pressure at the actual dry bulb         temperature.

CAS agents useful in the present invention may be naturally occurring or synthetic, and may or may not be modified such as modified clay. As used herein, “modified clay” relates to clays whose surface chemistries have been altered. Modified clay minerals are well known, examples of which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,109,257 (Lorah et al.) and U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0098169 (Ootake et al.). A preferred modified clay includes organically modified clay. An organically modified clay can also be referred to as an “organoclay.” As used herein, an “organically modified clay” or an “organoclay” refers to a cation-modified clay derived from a clay mineral, generally of the smectite group, for example, bentonite, montmorillonite, hectorite, saponite or the like, by replacing the inorganic exchangeable cations, generally alkali or alkaline earth metal cations, which occur in the natural clay mineral, by organic cations each comprising at least one hydrocarbon radical which has sufficient carbon atoms (e.g., quaternary alkylammonium ions). Organoclays with a wide range of surface wetting characteristics (e.g., hydrophobic or hydrophilic) have been described in the literature. Hydrophilic organoclays are commonly prepared by onium ion exchange using, e.g., polyether substituted quaternary ammonium compounds. These organoclays are dispersible in water-based systems and can be used for rheology control in products such as latex paints. A preferred organoclay includes bentonite that has been modified with quaternary amines. Organically modified clays are well known, an example of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,305 (Doidge et al.).

A variety of CAS agents for use in the present invention are commercially available. For example, a suitable CAS Agent for use in the present invention is commercially available under the tradename BENTONE□□LT from Elementis Specialties, Inc., Hightstown, N.J. BENTONE□□LT is a hydrophilic organoclay material product and is a combination of hydroxyethyl cellulose and bentonite clay.

In certain embodiments, it has been found that associative thickeners do not work well in helping prevent sag of first aqueous coating compositions of the present invention in humid environments (e.g., they can increase dry time to an undue degree). As used herein an “associative thickener” refers to any hydrophobically modified water-soluble polymer capable of interacting in aqueous solution with itself and with another species. The inclusion of hydrophobic modification enhances the ability of a water-soluble polymer to thicken water or to interact with other hydrophobic species and surfaces. These other hydrophobic species include, but are not limited to, the hydrophobe of a surfactant, the surface of a latex particle, the hydrophobic surface of pigments, or any other component of a waterborne coating composition. Examples of associative thickeners include nonionic urethanes, polyether urea polyurethane, acrylate polymers, cellulose ethers, polyethyleneglycol and combinations of these. In an aspect, the first aqueous coating composition described herein is substantially free of associative thickeners, where “substantially free” refers to an amount less than about 5 wt % of the total weight of the first aqueous coating composition.

As mentioned, even though CAS agents (e.g., hydrophilic clay and/or modified clay) are preferably present in unconventionally high levels, the time that it takes the first aqueous coating composition to substantially dry is not unduly impacted. Drying time is known in the art to be the time it takes the composition to dry “to the touch.” In certain embodiments, a first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention can dry in a time period in the range of from 10 to 45 minutes at a relative humidity of from 50 to 90 percent at 25° C., preferably from 15 to 30 minutes at a relative humidity of from 50 to 90 percent at 25° C.

To help provide suitable sag resistance in a humid environment according to the present invention, the one or more CAS agents are present in an amount of greater than 1 pound (0.12 kg), greater than 1.25 pounds (0.15 kg), greater than 1.5 pounds (0.18 kg), greater than 2.0 pounds (0.24 kg), greater than 2.5 pounds (0.30 kg), greater than 3.0 pounds (0.36 kg), or even greater than 4.0 pounds (0.48 kg), per 100 gallons (per 100 L) of the aqueous coating composition. Typical ranges include from 1.5 pounds to 15 pounds (0.18 to 1.8 kg), from 2.0 to 5.0 pounds (0.24 to 0.60 kg), or even 2.5 to 4.0 (0.30 to 0.48 kg) pounds per 100 gallons (per 100 L) of the aqueous coating composition.

To help provide suitable sag resistance in a humid environment according to the present invention, the one or more CAS agents have a particle size less than two micrometers, preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2 micrometers. Particle size refers to the diameter of a particle of clay (the diameter of an irregular volume is the longest distance between two points on its surface).

“Sag resistance” of the first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention refers to flow resistance of the first aqueous coating composition. In the description herein, sag resistance is measured according to the Sag Resistance Test described below, although conventionally measured by reference to ASTM Method D 4400. In certain embodiments, a first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention has a sag resistance value measured according to the Sag Resistance Test in an environment having a humidity greater than 65 percent relative humidity of at least 6 mils (0.015 cm), preferably at least 8 mils (0.02 cm), preferably at least 10 mils (0.025 cm), and most preferably at least 12 mils (0.03 cm). It is desirable for a first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention to have a sag resistance value measured according to the Sag Resistance Test in an environment having a humidity greater than 50 percent relative humidity in the range of from 8 mils (0.02 cm) to 16 mils (0.04 cm).

As mentioned, even though the CAS agent(s) are present in unconventionally high levels, the viscosity of the first aqueous coating composition is not impacted to an undue degree (e.g., during storage). Surprisingly, using CAS agent(s) can allow the aqueous coating composition to have a stable viscosity. As an example of stable viscosity, the viscosity does not change more than +/−20% (preferably +/−10%, +/−5%, or even +/−2%) when stored at temperatures ranging from about 25° C. to about 49° C. “Stormer viscosity” refers to a viscosity measurement in Krebs units on a Stormer viscometer. Stormer viscosities are determined according to ASTM Method D 562. In certain embodiments, a first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention has a viscosity in the range of from 50 to 90 Krebs units at 25° C., preferably from 60 to 70 Krebs units at 25° C.

Also as mentioned, the pH of the first aqueous coating composition preferably does not affect the functionality of the CAS agent(s) to an undue degree. The “pH” of the aqueous coating composition is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. In certain embodiments, a first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention has a pH in the range of from 4 to 9, more preferably from 4.5 to 7.5, and most preferably from 5 to 7 during at least a portion of the time that the coating composition is drying.

Advantageously, including CAS agents at unconventionally high levels in the first aqueous coating composition does not impact shelf-life stability to an undue degree. As used herein, “shelf-life stability” means that the aqueous coating composition has a viscosity and/or sag resistance that does not substantially change over a time period typical of a storage time period and temperature. In exemplary embodiments, a first aqueous coating composition according to the present invention has a shelf-life stability of at least four months, preferably at least six months. Shelf-life stability can be measured by placing a closed container of the aqueous coating composition in a “hot-box” at 120° F. (49° C.) for 14 days. Preferably, the viscosity and/or sag resistance do not change more than 20% after 14 days at 49° C., preferably no more than 10%, 5%, or even 2% after 14 days at 49° C.

In addition to the first resin component, the aqueous carrier, and the one or more CAS agents, one or more additional ingredients optionally may be included in the first aqueous coating composition. When choosing additional ingredients, it is desirable to make selections that minimize a risk of degrading the chlorinated resin(s). For example, it has been common in some conventional PVDC-based coating compositions to include Zn containing ingredients. Examples of these include zinc, zinc salts, and/or zinc oxide. Such Zn-containing ingredients can provide many benefits. These benefits include corrosion resistance, protection against flash rusting, or the like.

Such compositions can, however, contribute to degradation of chlorinated resins, particularly at elevated temperatures above about 140° F. (60° C.). Without wishing to be bound, it is believed that this degradation may occur because certain metals and metal-containing species such as, for example, zinc, iron, tin and the like, are capable of catalyzing dehydrochlorination of the chlorinated resin when the resin is exposed to high temperatures. The degradation can reduce the quality of the resultant coating and may be a contributor toward problems such as blistering, peeling, cracking, and the like. Other transition metals such as iron, tin, and the like also may have similar catalytic activity and may cause similar degradation issues.

In some embodiments in which catalytically active metals or metal-containing species (e.g., Zn or Zn-containing species) or the like may be present in the first aqueous coating composition, using mixed metals can reduce the catalytic activity and help to stabilize the compositions. For example, mixed metal stabilization may occur in systems including combinations of barium/zinc, calcium/zinc, barium/calcium/zinc, and the like. In an aspect, when stabilized by a mixed metal system, the first aqueous coating composition preferably contains about 25 wt % Zn, more preferably about 10 to 20 wt % Zn, and most preferably about 5 to 15 wt % Zn.

In some embodiments, certain forms of catalytic metals or catalytic metal-containing species may be passivated or encapsulated such that catalytic dechlorination of the resin by the metal is prevented or significantly reduced. Such species can be included in the first aqueous composition without causing significant dechlorination. Suitable species include without limitation, certain Zn salts, including soluble such as Zn(NO3)2, ZnSO4 and the like, for example. In an aspect, when present in the first aqueous coating composition, the Zn-containing species is present at preferably about 2 wt % to about 15 wt %, more preferably at about 2 wt % to about 10 wt %, and most preferably at about 2 wt % to about 5 wt %.

Even with the potential for stabilization, it is desirable in some embodiments to limit or even at least substantially exclude ingredients from the first aqueous coating composition that might include metals such as zinc that could be catalytically active with respect to degradation of chlorinated resins. Excluding such catalytically active metals is particularly desirable if the resultant coating is expected to be exposed to higher temperatures in the course of its service life, as the metals tend to be more active at higher temperatures. Indeed, it has been observed that excluding zinc and zinc containing compositions from various sources, including from fillers, flash rust inhibitors, pigments and other additives in the first aqueous coating composition greatly improves heat resistance of PVDC resin material(s) and dramatically reduces tendencies of the resultant coatings to blister, peel, and crack. Accordingly, because some metals such as Zn can promote degradation of chlorinated resins at elevated temperatures, it may be desirable to select ingredients that have a minimal amount, if any, of catalytically active metal contaminants, particularly when heat resistance is desired. In an aspect, where heat resistance is desired, the first aqueous coating composition preferably contains no more than about 10 wt % Zn, more preferably no more than about 7 wt % Zn, and most preferably no more than about 5 wt % Zn.

With these selection principles in mind, one or more additional ingredients may be incorporated into the first aqueous coating composition. For example, the ingredients used to formulate a coating composition of the present invention optionally may include one or more HCl scavengers. HCl scavenger(s) beneficially scavenge free HCl to help inhibit further degradation of the PVDC resin. Preferred HCl scavengers include epoxy functional molecules, flash rust inhibitors, dienophiles, antioxidants, metal chelating compounds, isocyanate compounds, organosulfur compounds and the like, and are further described in Assignee's co-pending Assignee's co-pending application, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/452,538, filed 20 Apr. 2012, which claims priority to U.S. App. Ser. Nos. 61/450,471, filed 8 Mar. 2011 and 61/394,972, filed 20 Oct. 2011.

It also may be desirable to incorporate one or more anticorrosive agents into the composition to help further protect the underlying substrate and the resultant coating(s) against corrosion. Some of these are based upon heavy metals such as Pb or Cr. Other suitable environmentally friendly materials include barium, calcium, phosphosilicate, calcium titanate, calcium silicate (e.g., calcium ion-exchanged amorphous silica), condensed calcium phosphate, aluminum triphosphate and the like. Aluminum triphosphate is preferred. A wide variety of such pigments are commercially available. One commercially available example is available under the trade designation SHEILDEX AC-5 from Grace Davison.

When heat resistance is desired, the optional anticorrosive agent(s) should be selected in a way so that significant quantities of catalytically active metals are excluded (or otherwise passivated) that would have a tendency to help cause degradation of the chlorinated resin. For example, some commercially available aluminum triphosphate often is blended with zinc oxide, while other aluminum triphosphate is generally substantially zinc free. The blended aluminum triphosphate could be acceptable for applications in which the resultant coating is not likely to see relatively high temperatures during service life. However, if the coating is likely to see high temperatures, aluminum triphosphate that is substantially free of catalytically active metals such as Zn may be desirably used.

The amount of anticorrosive agents used may vary over a wide range. If too little is used, the corrosion protection may be less than might be desired. Using too much may not provide meaningful additional protection as compared to using lesser amounts. Balancing such concerns, using from about 1 to about 20 parts by weight, more preferably 2 to 15 parts by weight of such agents per about 100 parts by weight of coating solids would be suitable. In one illustrative embodiment, using about 5 parts by weight of zinc-free aluminum triphosphate per 100 parts by weight of coating solids would be suitable.

It is desirable to include a sufficient amount of one or more fillers, extenders or pigments (hereinafter “fillers”) in the first aqueous coating composition to further improve corrosion protection, and/or provide optimal permeability through the coating once applied on the metal substrate. Additionally, the fillers may be used as thickeners, to help reduce foaming and to help improve sag resistance of the coating composition.

Without being bound to theory, it is believed that specific properties of the filler, including oil absorptivity, particle shape, particle size, aspect ratio, porosity, surface treatment, ion effects and the like, may contribute to the corrosion resistance of the coating. Surface active agents in the first coating composition and resin concentration may also impact selection of an appropriate filler or mixture of fillers.

Suitable fillers for use with the first aqueous coating composition include, insoluble compounds of one or more of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, transition metals, lanthanide metals, actinide metals, Si, Ge, Ga, Sn, Pb, combinations or mixtures of these, and the like. Insoluble compounds include sulfates, hydroxides, carbides, nitrides, oxides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, silicates, and/or carbonates. Specific embodiments of such fillers include talc, CaCO3, BaSO4, aluminum silicate, aluminum hydroxide, mica, silica (as glass beads, for example), wollastonite, china clay, chlorite, dolomite, mixtures or combinations of the above, and the like. BaSO4, CaCO3, dolomite and wollastonite are preferred. In an aspect, the first aqueous coating composition includes a mixture of two or more fillers.

In an aspect, the fillers used with the first aqueous coating composition include non-platelet-shaped (e.g., nodular, acicular, spherical) particles, and platelet-shaped (e.g., platy, lamellar) particles. Exemplary pigments with platelet-shaped particles include, without limitation, mica, talc, chlorite, mixtures thereof, and the like. Exemplary pigments with non-platelet-shaped particles include, without limitation, insoluble sulfates, carbides, nitrides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, oxides, and/or carbonates of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, transition metals, lanthanide series metals, actinide series metals, Si, Ge, Ga, Al, Sn, Pb, combinations thereof and the like.

In an embodiment, suitable fillers are selected based on oil absorptivity. In a preferred aspect, the first aqueous coating composition includes a suitable filler, or combination of two or more fillers, having oil absorptivity of no more than about 50 g of oil per 100 g total weight, preferably about 5 to 40 g/100 g, more preferably about 10 to 30 g/100 g, and most preferably about 15 to 20 g/100 g, as measured according to ASTM D281 (standard test method for oil absorption of pigment by spatula rub-out).

In an embodiment, suitable fillers are selected based on the aspect ratio of filler particles. Without being bound to theory, it is believed that a lower aspect ratio provides excellent corrosion protection and adhesion to the metal substrate. Without being bound by theory, the aspect ratio of a particular filler may contribute to the oil absorptivity of the filler, i.e. a filler with a lower aspect ratio may demonstrate lower oil absorptivity. Oil absorptivity may also be influenced by particle size and/or any parameter that affects the surface area of the filler particles.

In an aspect, fillers with non-platelet-shaped particles may be used in combination with fillers with platelet-shaped particles. The weight ratio of non-platelet-shaped to non-platelet shaped pigments can vary over a wide range. In illustrative embodiments, this ratio may be in the range from about 1:50 to 50:1, preferably about 1:10 to about 10:1; more preferably about 1:3 to about 3:1. For example, one embodiment of the first aqueous coating composition includes about 14.5 weight percent of relatively rounded BaSO4 particles and about 14.5 percent by weight of platelet-shaped mica particles based on the total weight of the coating solids.

In an embodiment, the first aqueous composition includes a sufficient amount of filler particles, such that a coating prepared from the first coating composition includes from about 1 to 40 vol %, preferably 5 to 30 vol %, and more preferably about 10 to 25 vol %, based on the total volume of the dried coating, or pigment (i.e. filler) volume concentration (PVC). Without being bound to theory, it is believed that pigment volume concentration plays an important role in the corrosion resistance of the first aqueous coating composition. At optimal pigment volume concentration, the filler particles may alter the surface energy of the first aqueous coating composition in a manner that affects water vapor transmission, surfactant migration and corrosion resistance of a film of the first coating composition formed on a substrate.

A wide range of techniques may be used to prepare the first aqueous coating composition from the desired ingredients. According to an illustrative technique, the first resin component is reserved while the other ingredients are combined and mixed until homogeneous. Then, the reserved first resin is added to the admixture with further mixing until homogeneous.

According to another technique, the first aqueous coating composition can be made by first dispersing one or more CAS agents in an aqueous carrier under conditions effective so that the one or more CAS agents form an aqueous dispersion and do not agglomerate to an undue degree. Preferably, ammonia can be added in an amount sufficient to aid the dispersion of the CAS agents so that the agents can build a network and provide suitable sag resistance in a humid environment. After the aqueous dispersion is made, then the aqueous dispersion can be mixed with a resin component so as to form the aqueous coating composition.

In some embodiments, to help provide suitable sag resistance in a humid environment, modifications can be made to the spray booth and/or to the curing/drying oven in which the coating composition is applied to and cured on to substrate surface. In an aspect, the spray booth and/or oven system are modified to include an air removal and replacement system. An oven system for drying coatings applied to five-sided cargo containers is described in Applicants' co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/837,833, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRYING FIVE-SIDED CONTAINERS, filed Jul. 16, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,458).

Referring to FIG. 1, before entering the drying chamber 30, a shipping container is sandblasted, a layer of a primer is applied on the interior and the exterior of all five sides of the sandblasted bare metal surface, and at least one overcoat layer is applied over the primer layer on all the primed surfaces. For example, a solvent-based basecoat and a solvent-based topcoat are typically applied on the primer coat before the container enters the chamber 30.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a painted shipping container 40 enters the chamber 30 and is transported through the chamber 30 on a wheeled carriage 32. As the container 40 moves through the chamber 30, the heated air passes through feed ducts 18, 20, then through openings 14, 16 and moves rapidly upward through the chamber and flows over the inside surfaces 42 and the outside surfaces 44 of the container 40. The rapidly flowing heated air quickly evaporates the solvents in the paint on the surfaces 42, 44 as the air moves upward in the chamber 30 and enters suction openings 22, 24. In the suction openings 22, 24, the heated air is withdrawn from an upper region of the drying chamber 30, where the heated air is vented to the atmosphere or re-enters the air system 12 (comprising a blower 13 and a heater 15).

Referring to FIG. 2a , an application system 310 is shown where a composition (e.g., a treatment, primer, or other coating product) may be applied to the surfaces of a container 140. As shown, a reservoir system 320 holds a composition. The reservoir could be a tank, drum, can, or mixer, and may include a stirring device 321 or a recirculation system (not shown). Certain compositions are provided in multiple components, and reservoir 320 is optionally comprised of a plurality of reservoirs such that the separated components can be mixed prior to use or mixed during use. Typically the composition is conveyed via one or more lines 326 using one or more pumps 328 to one or more sprayers 322. The sprayers can be operated by humans or robots and are generally operated to deliver as nearly uniform a paint film to the container as possible. In preferred operations the precise amount of paint is delivered to the walls of the container 140. Application system may further comprise optional sensors 324 that are configured to measure the composition viscosity, temperature, pressure or flow rate. In one embodiment the flow rates of different spray guns can be compared to each other and clogged or worn spray tips can be remedied.

Sensors 324 may be permanently mounted (e.g., to the lines 326) or may be portable (e.g., mounted on tripods, affixed by magnets, or positioned by other means). The sensors may communicate via wires or wireless means, and may be powered, for example, by batteries, solar panels, or standard electrical lines.

In preferred embodiments the sensors of the aforementioned systems are configured to capture data during the complete application process.

Referring to FIG. 2b , a system 110 includes a drying chamber or oven 130. A source 112 of heated air passing through a conditioner 108 (comprising a blower 113, an optional humidifier 111, and a heater 115) supply a large volume of heated air to an arrangement of feed ducts 118, 120 in the oven 130. The drying chamber/oven 130 may be partially or completely closed to the atmosphere. A partially open configuration is shown in FIG. 2 for ease of description.

Source 112 of heated air is shown entering and exiting various subsystems. For example, source 112 a is shown leaving chamber 130 and entering optional make-up unit 109. Make-up unit 109 permits a portion of the source air 103 to exit the system and a make-up portion of fresh air 105 to enter the system. The portion leaving the system 103 optionally may pass past sensor 101 a, through a pollution control device 107 (e.g., to treat the air and/or remove any contaminants) and then past sensor 101 b. Source 112 is also shown entering (112 b) and exiting (112 c) conditioner 108.

Conditioner 108 is shown with sensors 180 a-c that sense the air (e.g., temperature, composition, humidity, flow rate, etc.) as it passes through the various stages of conditioner 108. The routing of the air through blower 113, optional (de)humidifier 111 and heater 115 can be in any desired order and the order shown in FIG. 2b is just one possible order. Sensors 180 before, between and/or after (de)humidifier 111 and heater 115 can be used, as described herein to optimize the operation of chamber 130.

In one embodiment, ICS 610 calculates the amount of water removed from or added to the system (e.g., by (de)humidifier 111 and make-up unit 109) and compares this amount to the amount of water introduced by the applied paint on the containers transiting the system. This information can be used, for example, to adjust the operation of the air handling system based on anticipated or actual container throughput.

Referring again to FIG. 2b , the painted container 140 enters the chamber 130 and is transported through the chamber 130 on a wheeled carriage 132. While the wheeled carriage is an example, the container 140 may be moved through the chamber 130 by any suitable method, including by placing the container 140 on an arrangement of moveable hooks 150. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b , the container 140 is placed on the carriage 132 with the open side of the container facing downward toward a floor 143 of the chamber 130. However, the presently claimed system and method are not limited to this arrangement—the open side of the container may be placed in any suitable orientation, depending on the configuration of the ductwork delivering the heated air into the open side of the container. In the embodiment of FIG. 2b , the walls 145 of the container 140 are oriented downwardly in a first direction toward the floor 143 of the chamber 130. In this embodiment, a first side 147 of the container 140, which is opposite the open side of the container and substantially normal to the walls 145, is substantially parallel to the floor 143 of the chamber 130.

As the container 140 moves through the chamber 130, heated air is forcefully ejected from outlet openings 114, 116 to provide a flow of air to dry the outer surfaces 144 of the walls 145 and the bottom 147 of the container 140 as the container moves through the chamber 130. The outlet openings 114, 116 may optionally be moveable in the direction of the arrows A to provide more rapid and efficient drying.

In the system 110, heated air is supplied to a feed duct 165 and forcefully ejected from an arrangement of upwardly-facing discharge ducts 160 in the floor 143 of the chamber 130 to provide a flow of air to rapidly evaporate the water in the coatings on the interior surfaces of the container 140. The discharge ducts 160 may include, for example, upwardly-facing tubes or pipes, or slots in the floor 143 of the chamber 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b , the tubes 160 may optionally be moveable (such as, for example, along the direction of the arrows B, and/or in a direction normal to the arrows B) to more efficiently direct the heated air into the interior 142 of the container 140. The discharge ducts 160 are arranged in the floor 143 of the chamber 130 such that the heated air moves rapidly upward into the open side of the container 140 in a second direction along arrows C and substantially opposite to the first orientation direction of the walls 145 of the container 140. The heated air then contacts an interior surface 142A of the first side 147 of the container 140, where it separates and moves along the interior surface 142A in substantially opposite third and fourth directions along arrows D, E to rapidly evaporate the water in the coating applied on the interior surface 142A. As can be seen from FIG. 2b , the third and fourth directions D, E are substantially opposite one another and substantially normal to the first and the second directions.

When the heated air flow reaches a corner/edge region 142B of the container 140 where at least one wall 145 and the bottom 147 thereof intersect, the air flow moves over the edge/corner region 142B, turns and moves in the first direction along the arrows F, and flows along the interior surfaces 142C of the walls 145 of the container 140. The rapidly moving air flow evaporates the water in the coating applied to the corner/edges 142B. After traversing the interior surfaces 142C of the container 140, the air turns along the direction of arrows G and exits the interior 142 of the container 140 via the open side of the container 140. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b , the air exits between the walls 145 of the container 140 and the carriage 132, or under and/or around the wheels 133 of the carriage 132. After exiting the container 140, the air moves upward in the chamber 130 along the direction of the arrows H and enters suction openings 122, 124. In the suction openings 122, 124, the heated air is withdrawn from an upper region of the drying chamber 130, where the heated air is vented to the atmosphere and/or re-enters the air supply system 112.

Referring again to FIG. 2b , the chamber 130 is shown with a plurality of sensors to monitor various aspects of the drying/curing process. For example, chamber 130 is shown with a plurality of sensors 173 a-h that are configured to measure one or more aspects of the chamber 130 environment, such as air velocity and direction, organic compound concentration, temperature or humidity. Sensors 173 are positioned at various places within the chamber to obtain the desired representative measurements. Sensor 171 is positioned outside of the chamber 130 to measure ambient conditions, such as temperature and/or humidity. In preferred embodiments, one or more sensors 175 may be positioned inside the painted container 140 (e.g., by being attached to a support frame spanning the otherwise open floor of the container or to a moving conveyor system in the case of a moving container) to measure one or more aspects of the environment within the container 140, such as air velocity and direction, solvent concentration, pressure, temperature or humidity. Sensor 175 is optimally positioned to measure the temperature and/or humidity of the environment inside the container.

FIG. 2b also depicts a plurality of thermal imaging sensors 174 a,b, c and 176. Thermal imaging sensors 174 and 176 are positioned to capture the surface temperature of the container, with sensors 174 being configured to capture the surface temperature of the outside of the container, and sensor(s) 176 being configured to capture the surface temperature of the inside walls of the container. In one embodiment the thermal imaging sensors can capture “snapshots” of one or more sides of the container 140, and use image recognition technology (e.g., edge recognition) to identify regions on the object being scanned to compare the specific region of a particular object (either as a function of time in the chamber or to the same region of another object). Alternatively, the imager can be positioned to monitor the object as it passes a fixed point in space. In this manner the temperature data for a container can be compared to other containers that passed the same point in space, etc.

Sensors 173, 171, 175, 174 and 176 may be permanently mounted (e.g., to the inside or outside of the chamber 130) or may be portable (e.g., mounted on tripods, affixed by magnets, or positioned by other means). The sensors may communicate via wires or wireless means, and may be powered, for example, by batteries, solar panels, or standard electrical lines.

In preferred embodiments the sensors of the aforementioned systems are configured to capture data during the complete drying/curing process.

Referring to FIG. 3, the system 110 may be sufficiently large to dry a plurality of five-sided shipping containers 140A, 140B at the same time. A conveyor system 170 may include tracks 172 to guide the wheeled carriages 132 (not shown in FIG. 3) through the chamber 130.

The floor 143 of the chamber 130 includes an arrangement of air discharge ducts (tubes 160 and/or appropriately placed slots 161) to force heated air into the open side of the containers 140. The outlet openings 114, 116 supply heated air to dry the outside surfaces 145A, 145B and 147A, 147B of the containers 140A and 140B.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, which may be used alone or in combination with the systems shown in FIGS. 2-6, a system 210 includes a drying chamber 230 to which heated air is supplied by an air source 212 including a blower 213 and a heater 215. Of course the conditioner 108, make-up unit 109 and pollution control device 107 of FIG. 2b may be used if desired. The air source 212 supplied heated air to the outlet openings 214, 216, which are positioned to direct the heated air generally horizontally and between the moveable carriage 232 and the walls 245 of the five-sided shipping container 240, which in the embodiment of FIG. 4 is turned downwardly toward the floor of the chamber 230. The heated air is forcefully directed along the direction of the arrows A, where it enters the interior 242 of the container 240 via the open side thereof.

Upon entering the interior 242 of the container 240, the heated air streams flowing from the outlet openings 214 and 216 meet and merge to flow vertically upward along the direction of arrows B, which is substantially opposite to the first orientation direction of the walls 245 of the container 240. The heated air then contacts an interior surface 242A of the first side 247 of the container 240, where it separates and moves along the interior surface 242A in substantially opposite third and fourth directions along arrows C, D to rapidly evaporate the water in the coating applied on the interior surface 242A. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the third and fourth directions C, D are substantially opposite one another and substantially normal to the first and the second directions.

When the heated air flow reaches a corner/edge region 242B of the container 240 where at least one wall 245 and the first side 247 intersect, the air flow moves over the edge/corner region 242B, turns and moves in the first direction along the arrows E, and flows along the interior surfaces 242C of the walls 245 of the container 240. The rapidly moving air flow evaporates the water in the coating applied to the corner/edges 242B.

After traversing the interior surfaces 242C of the container 240, the air turns along the direction of arrows F and exits the interior 242 of the container 240 via the open side of the container 240. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the air exits between the walls 245 of the container 240 and the carriage 232, or under and/or around the wheels 233 of the carriage 232.

After exiting the container 240, the air moves upward in the chamber 230 along the direction of the arrows G and enters suction openings 222, 224. In the suction openings 222, 224, the heated air is withdrawn from an upper region of the drying chamber 230, where the heated air is vented to the atmosphere and/or re-enters the air system 212.

The present disclosure further includes a method for drying a five-sided shipping container using the systems shown in FIGS. 2-4.

Once at least one layer of a water-based coating is applied to the five-sided shipping container, it may be placed in the drying/curing chambers of FIGS. 2-6 to at least partially evaporate the water in the coating. The term “dried” as used herein refers to partially or fully evaporating the water in a coating such that the shipping container can be handled or undergo further preparation and/or painting steps. Since the water in water-based coatings is more difficult to evaporate than the VOCs in solvent-based coatings, processing the shipping container to dry the water-based coating(s) thereon can be time-consuming and expensive. Using the systems of FIGS. 2b -4, the drying time for a typical five-sided shipping container can be reduced to no more than about 20 minutes, preferably no more than about 10 minutes, and more preferably no more than about 8 minutes. The term “cured” as used herein refers to chemically altering the coating such that the coating (typically a liquid or possibly a powder) is formed into a film and hardened (generally irreversibly hardened) to form a protective film.

For example, to dry the coatings applied on the container 140 of FIG. 2b , the parameters such as the size of the container 140, the thickness and the composition of the coatings applied to the container 140, and the temperature and humidity in the ambient air in the chamber 130, may vary widely. To ensure that the container 140 is dried within a reasonable amount of time after it enters the chamber 130, the blower 113 should circulate the heated air within the interior 142 of the container 140 such that the air flows smoothly and rapidly over the interior surfaces 142A, 142B and 142C. Preferably, the blower 113 should supply air at a velocity sufficient to provide smooth and substantially laminar flow over the interior surfaces of the container 140.

For example, in the present method, the systems of FIG. 2b may be used to provide a total drying time of less than about 20 minutes, preferably less than about 8 to less than about 10 minutes, after the container 140 enters the chamber 130. To make such a short drying time possible on such a large object, the blower 113 should provide a sufficient volume of air such that air is discharged in a substantially laminar flow from the arrangement of slots/tubes 160 at a velocity of about 1500 to about 3000 feet per minute (fpm), more preferably at about 2000 to about 2500 fpm. The volume of air discharged into the container should be about 500 to 100 cubic feet per minute (cfm), more preferably about 600 to about 800 cfm. The air volume discharged into the container is typically about 500-1000 cfm per linear foot of container, and a typical 40 foot shipping container would require about 20,000 to about 40,000 cfm.

The internal airflow within the container should be about 0.1 to about 10 meters/second, preferably about 0.3 to about 5 meters/second, and more preferably about 0.4 to about 3 meters/second. Within the container, the heated air has a temperature of about 50 to about 200° C., preferably about 75 to about 125° C.

Air replacement systems replace air exhausted from industrial and commercial buildings or spray booths, with fresh, outdoor air, (heated or otherwise) maintaining a constant leaving-air temperature regardless of the incoming air temperature, and outdoor-air temperature. Air replacement systems replenish equal amounts of fresh air for every cubic foot of air exhausted or removed from the spray booth or oven.

Typically, a spray booth's exhaust system will remove significant quantities of air during operation. A typical 10′×8′×6′ (3.05 m×2.4 m×1.8 m) spray booth may exhaust more than 8,000 cubic feet (226.5 m3) of air per minute. If replacement air is pulled directly from outside, this volume may be sufficient to cool the interior of the building and will adversely affect the quality of coatings. An air replacement system, including air replacement units, provides conditioned and filtered air to the spray booth, and thereby minimize temperature variations. Any particulate matter that would adversely impact the finished quality of the coating is also preferably removed by such an air replacement system.

In the case of pressurized spray booths, air replacement is introduced directly into the spray booth, eliminating the need for air to be drawn from the outside. This allows for greater control over the temperature and filtration quality in the spray booth environment, thereby significantly improving the quality of the coating and eliminating problems associated with sag in a humid environment or an environment with variable temperatures.

In an aspect, an air replacement system is designed with a variable speed drive/motor and damper package to discharge either 140° F. (60° C.) or 160° F. (71° C.) air for an accelerated curing or drying cycle. This design reduces airflow 50% during the drying phase, and uses outside air to ensure constant replacement of humid air that forms in the oven as the waterborne coating system of the invention is dried.

The air replacement system described herein may also include an auto-balance system with a variable frequency drive to automatically adjust the airflow of the exhaust fan(s), to ensure proper booth balance, both during application in the spray booth and during the drying stage in the oven.

In addition, the air replacement unit may be designed with a recirculating unit that includes a variable speed drive/motor and damper package to discharge either 140° F. (60° C.) or 160° F. (71° C.) air for accelerated drying in the oven. The unit preferably recirculates up to 80% of the air while exhausting 20% to atmosphere. Such a design provides energy efficiency by recirculating heated air, and thereby requiring less energy for the heating unit.

In some embodiments, to help provide sag resistance in a humid environment, the temperature and humidity of the air entering the spray booth and/or the drying oven may be varied. It is desirable to control the humidity by heating, cooling, humidifying or dehumidifying the air that enters the spray booth or the oven. The extent of heating, cooling, humidifying or dehumidifying necessary will depend on the temperature and humidity of the air as it enters the spray booth or oven.

In an aspect, where the air entering the spray booth is cooler and contains less moisture (i.e. has lower relative humidity) than needed, the incoming air is heated using by conventional means, e.g., either gas, electric or steam heating methods. Moisture is then introduced into the warm air through steam distributors or atomized/pressurized water that can be absorbed into the air.

In an aspect, where the air entering the booth is warmer and has high relative humidity, the incoming air is cooled to the dew point of the air needed, and heat is introduced by warming the air by conventional means, e.g., using gas, electric or steam heating methods. The air is then cooled by conventional means, e.g., by chilled water coil or evaporative cooling. This process removes moisture from the system and reduces air temperature in the spray booth and/or drying oven.

Other conventional methods for drying heated or humidified air in the spray booth and/or drying oven may be utilized. For example, a desiccant dehumidification system may be used, where a desiccant is mounted on a rotating wheel, and as the wheel turns, the desiccant passes alternately through incoming process air, when moisture is adsorbed, then through a regenerating zone when the desiccant is dried (e.g., by means of a direct-fired gas burner or indirect-fired water/steam coil) and moisture is expelled. The process continues as the desiccant wheel turns. The desiccant system may include dry desiccant, liquid desiccant, or combinations thereof.

A system that integrates a painting, drying and/or curing process (hereinafter collectively a “painting operation”) with real-time monitoring and controlling features has been developed to advantageously improve product quality and optimize the manufacturing process for efficient operation. The invention allows communication between a painting operation and computerized modules that can, among other things, retrieve, store, analyze, inform, and control process parameters, process equipment, and in-progress equipment and product characteristics, and other information related to the operation. The system can be configured to assist in day-to-day operation(s), intermittent maintenance, as well as provide on-going trend analysis and quality control of the painting operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 & 6, a general overview of a computer-based monitoring and control system integrated with a painting operation pursuant to an aspect of the invention is illustrated. The painting operation is typically configured and guided by predefined process specifications to apply pretreatments, primers and topcoat materials. The process specifications can include, for example, quality characteristics, ecological tolerances of the operation, and in-progress raw material equipment specifications and equipment operational specifications.

Referring to FIG. 5, unpainted containers 140 may move through one or more stages 501 to be finished. For example, an optional first stage 410 may include a surface preparation stage where the unpainted container is cleaned, shot blasted, inspected, etc. The container then enters a first application system 310 where, for example, a first paint primer is applied. The container may then proceed to a first curing/drying system 110. Additional application systems 310 b 310 c, etc. and curing/drying systems 110 b, 110 c, etc. (not shown) may be used for subsequent coats of paint, or the container 140 may be returned to systems 310 and 110 for application and curing/drying of the subsequent coat(s). At the end of the process the painted container 140 may be inspected 510 and/or moved to further operations, such as floor installation.

Referring to FIGS. 5 & 6, an industrial control system (ICS) unit 610 is shown that is in communication with one or more of stages 410, 310, 510 and 110. ICS 610 comprises a suitable computer system, which may include one or more PLC units 612 and one or more PCs 614. In preferred embodiments the ICS is configured for networking access. In one embodiment ICS 610 is connected to a private network 620, which in turn is preferably and optionally connected to the internet 650. One possible secure network architecture includes isolating the ICS on the private network using its own physical or virtual LAN. The ICS LAN may be isolated, for example, from other PCs 622 a, virtual PCs 622 b, and servers 624 on the private network by firewall 630 b. Following this architecture the firewall can be configured to only permit known network traffic to communicate with (or control) the ICS.

The private network 620 is optimally connected to the internet 650 through a secure firewall 630 a that is configured with appropriate network security. This permits approved users and/or devices to communicate with the private network. For example, remote PC 652 or remote smart phone or tablet 654 may be permitted to pass communications through firewall 630 a into the private network 620. Approved users or devices may then be either directed to private network devices (e.g., virtual PC 622 b), which then communicate through firewall 430 b to ICS 610, or the approved users may be directed directly through firewall 630 b to ICS 610. Because it is hard to secure multipurpose PCs and other devices that are connected to the internet, it is believed that a more secure architecture will permit limited remote user access via trusted private network devices (e.g., PC 622 a or virtual PC 622 b). Also, while two firewalls 630 b and 630 a are preferred, only one such device need be used.

ICS 610 may be configured to monitor and/or control systems 410, 310, 510 and 110.

For example, ICS 610 may monitor system 310 by logging one or more of paint temperature, viscosity, tank level, pump pressure, paint flow, individual spray gun performance (e.g., monitoring of pressure and flow on an individual line may indicate a clogging situation), as well as ambient temperature and relative humidity.

The logging may be used to trigger alerts to operators, so as to enable the repair of a system device (e.g., unclogging of a spray gun), or the adjustment of a component (e.g., the adjustment of a paint viscosity). The logging may also be used to maintain a uniform application of the paint to the container, thereby avoiding waste.

ICS 610 may similarly be used to monitor drying/curing system 110 by logging one or more of humidity, temperature, time, air velocity, etc. The logged data is preferably evaluated as a function of time, and more preferably in real time, as many of the measurements are variable. For example, the surface temperature of a freshly painted container is initially uniformly low. As the container passes into the oven the water and/or solvents are evaporated from the paint or coating and the surface temperature of the container increases. By monitoring these data points the operator can make numerous adjustments to system 110, such as (i) adjusting air blowers and/or heat, e.g., if certain areas of the container are not drying/curing properly, (ii) adjusting paint application in system 310 if the paint is found to be too thick or too thin, (iii) adjusting line speed, or (iv) alerting the operator if any operating conditions are out of a control range, etc. In one embodiment the system alerts an operator (who may be nearby or even a remote operator who is off-site) via pager, text message, cell phone alert, email, or other alarm so that corrective action can be taken. In another embodiment the system itself can react to the measured data and adjust operation settings or even shut down the system if a dangerous condition is anticipated.

In one embodiment, ICS 610 and all its associated sensors are configured as a portable system that can be deployed to a coating line, e.g., during startup or process establishment. In this embodiment the measurements and log files can be analyzed to help the engineers properly adjust the line's equipment for sustained operation. Once the steady state operating conditions are established (and/or once the start-up process is established) the ICS 610 may be removed and the operators may operate the line using the settings established when monitoring was present. In another embodiment, ICS 610 is permanently installed on a line and used to either monitor or control both monitor and control the line.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, a painting operation can include several main areas, depicted as process blocks 410, 310, 110 and 510, along with a line speed controller 512. A process management system 500 integrates equipment capable of data acquisition and process control with the process areas. Block 410 represents process stages that prepare a surface for application of an industrial paint system. This portion of the process is often referred to as surface preparation or pre-treatment. Block 310 represents the portion of process 500 where the coating is applied to a substrate. Tanks and supply systems connected to the applicators can be included among other things, within block 310. Block 110 represents the drying/curing section of process 500. This portion of a painting operation process can include ovens, and other sources of heat.

Still referring to FIG. 5, it is shown that one control unit 610 can be used to communicate with each of the process blocks 410, 310, 110, and 510. Control unit 610 can have data acquisition capability as well as process control capability. Data can be acquired from all or a selected portion of available equipment present in each of the process blocks 410, 310, 110, 510 and a line speed controller 512. It is within the purview of the invention that a control unit is capable of not only acquiring information (relating to the painting process) but can also be used to load, store, and edit or modify in formation (e.g., programs, specifications, data, etc.). To control the process, central control unit 610 can contain one master microprocessor or multiple microprocessors (e.g., computer cards, chips, programmable logic controllers, etc.), each microprocessor configured to control an individual or a grouping of equipment.

An authorized user 520, as shown in FIG. 5 can be directly linked to central control unit 610 via a suitable device (e.g., 622 a, 622 b) to communicate with and monitor the process. Alternatively and/or optionally, in addition to a directly linked authorized user, a remote (and authorized) user 530 can also have access to the information in unit 610 via remote device (e.g., 652, 654). More than one directly linked user 310 or remote user 320 can be in communication with control unit 300.

It is contemplated that a remote user 530 can communicate with unit 610 via a variety of routes, including, but not limited to, wireless systems such as a pagers, mobile telephones, text messaging devices, and satellite-linked receivers and transceivers; computers or televisions linked via modem broadband Internet satellite, etc.; telephones; and the like. For security purposes, it may be desirable to authorize only limited access or a tiered access, allowing certain users of control unit 610 to have “read-only” or “view-only” functions, while others are allowed to have capabilities beyond that. For example, a remote user 530 may be authorized only to the extent of loading programs or other information into control unit 610, but not allowed to delete or make modifications to programs, codes, etc. within control unit 610.

A supply tank system (see FIG. 2a , 320) can be linked into system 500 to allow automatic monitoring and control of liquid stream supply into block 310. One or more supply tanks can be included in supply tank system 320. Central control unit 610 can be used to assess the level of liquid supply (e.g., resin, paint, pH adjuster, etc.) inside tank 320. Similar to any other data the central control unit acquires, the information can be stored, manipulated, analyzed, charted, etc. Control unit 610 can also control the supply tanks by opening and closing appropriate valves (e.g. directing the valves to open or close) that allow liquid to enter block 310, or liquid to enter tank 320 from a central supply (not shown).

If desired, each of the process blocks 410, 310, 110, 510 and line speed controller 512, are controlled and monitored using corresponding and separate modules 515, 525, 535, 545, 505 and 522, respectively. This configuration may be advantageous in certain situations such as when one portion of process 501 tends to have greater amounts of downtime, requires more maintenance, or has significantly more data to retrieve, than other portions or blocks of the process. Information, data, codes, etc. regarding equipment relevant to each process block, can be accessed individually or together. The information to, from, and within the modules can be accessed by one or more authorized user(s) 520 and/or remote user(s) 530, at different levels of access, if desired. These modules can include directly inputted programs, or devices such as programmable logic controllers, or other processors or microprocessors.

Data can be retrieved by using probes, sensors, meters, or other qualitative or quantitative devices that can be linked to a data acquisition module. Depending on the level of observation desired, values for any or all product and/or process variables can be retrieved on an intermittent predetermined or scheduled basis. Alternatively, data can be retrieved on an on-demand basis. Data acquisition modules 518, 516, 526, 536 and 546 can be used to perform various functions, including retrieving, storing, manipulating, and displaying information. In certain embodiments, a system that includes data acquisition modules that are configured to additionally perform analyses can be configured within each acquisition module. For example, the modules can include software that provides historical trends, analysis of variance (ANOVA), statistical process control (SPC), compliance with International Standards Organization (ISO) standards, and the like.

Each data acquisition module can, although not necessarily, be coupled (e.g., interfaced) with at least one control module capable of thinking, operating and communicating with process 501 to control the equipment, raw material and if desired, nearly all aspects of the process. Thus, a plurality of control modules, such as those depicted as control modules 512, 527, 537 and 547 can be implemented in the apparatus of the invention. These control modules can be devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) that are able to manipulate equipment based on a computer program having predetermined I/O directives. Conventional software developed for a PLC can be suitable for loading into the modules, or command-driven programs can be inputted directly into the control modules.

The data acquisition modules and/or the control modules can be networked in a variety of configurations to suit a user's needs. For example, all the modules can be linked to allow communication between and among themselves. Alternatively, the modules can be configured to only have selected modules be connected to one another.

For convenience, the following description of the exemplary system according to the invention as depicted in FIGS. 5 & 6 will be described generally from start to finish. It is of course, contemplated that many variations and additional equipment (filters, heat exchangers, piping systems, etc.) can be implemented within the process and are not shown. The figures and this narrative are limited to major process steps or blocks of steps that are used to apply an industrial coating onto a substrate; however it is not intended to limit the breadth of this invention's applicability to all (types of) painting processes.

Referring again to FIG. 5, at the start of the process 501 is a loading station where container 140 (and typically a plurality of containers) is placed on a conveyor system 575. Conveyor 575 moves the substrate sequentially through process blocks 410, 110, 310 at a desired line speed. Although not shown in the figure, equipment (e.g., speed controller 522) that maintains or changes the line speed of conveyor 575 can be anywhere along process 500 from start to end.

Container 140 enters block 410 to prepare a target area on a surface of container 140 for painting. This portion of the process is often referred to as surface preparation or pre-treatment. For example, container 140 may be subjected to one or more stages of cleaning, rinsing, sealing, etc. A data acquisition module 516 can be designated to retrieve equipment-related and in-process information from block 410, using, for example, equipment or product evaluation tools (e.g., sensors, probes, meters, etc.) within the block. In particular, information acquired by module 516 can relate to equipment variables, how well the equipment in block 410 is performing the surface preparation, and the quality level of the surface preparation of container 140. The acquired information can include, for example, water levels, temperature, pressure, circulation flow rate, etc. Probes, gauges, meters, sensors, test equipment, or any other known qualitative or quantitative tool can be used to evaluate each variable as appropriate.

A control module 517 can be interfaced with data acquisition module 516 to control equipment within block 410, such as spray equipment, valves, etc. Adjustments to the equipment within block 410 can be made in an automated fashion by connecting (e.g. electrically, mechanically, or pneumatically) module 517 to each piece of equipment. Automated adjustments or modification can be achieved by linking or coupling control module 517 to actual equipment. For example, a signal generated by control module 517 can be communicated to a receiver coupled to a valve, which subsequently activates a handle or other means to turn and adjust the flow rate of fluid traveling past a valve. It is contemplated that adjustments to equipment, and therefore product, can be made purposefully or at pre-scheduled times, as in start-ups, or downtime for maintenance, etc.

Alternatively, adjustments initiated by control module 517 might be performed on an ongoing basis, particularly when information from data acquisition module 516 suggests that adjustments are required to compensate, react to, or prevent, out of specification process or product valuations. In situations where a process and/or product variable is beyond a pre-specified range, module 517 can not only react and modify equipment, but it can also communicate the need by also functioning as an alert signal. This can be accomplished by displaying a light, sounding an alarm or siren, raising a flag, or the like. Any one or a combination of these or other various known audible or visible signals can be configured into module 517. Alternatively, the alert condition can be communicated to master control unit 610 which can provide the audible or visible signal.

It is within the purview of the invention that data acquisition module 516 could also be configured to process acquired data in such a way that out of specification values can be identified and be brought to attention by an alert signal. Thus, the signal need not be performed by a control module 517, but could also be achieved by a data acquisition module, such as shown module 516. A further alternative to achieving alert signals is by configuring either one or both modules 516 or 517 to communicate with a master control unit 610. By doing so, an authorized user can be alerted via a computer, phone call, text message, beeper, etc. Although this discussion of the functionalities, capabilities and configurations of a control module have been detailed in light of module 517, it is contemplated that any or all control modules described herein (e.g. modules 527, 537, 547) can also include such characteristics.

A display component can also be included in either module 516 or 517. This can be useful for allowing authorized users to view or monitor situations directly corresponding to block 410 and equipment therein. For example, a module 517 can have a display screen, wherein data is charted (raw or manipulated) and shown on real-time basis, or historically. A printer can also be connected to a module to download and print such information.

Now moving downstream in process 501, process block 310 represents the portion of process 501 where the paint composition is applied to a substrate. Again, a data acquisition module 526, equipped with evaluation tools connected to equipment within block 310, can be used to acquire, process and/or product characteristics as container 140 travels within block 310. The information can then be stored, analyzed, etc. within module 526, in similar fashion and technique as module 516. Module 526 communicates with control module 527 and/or master control unit 610.

Ancillary to block 310 is the supply of coating composition that can enter block 310 and be introduced to the process through at least one entry stream. Generally, coating composition material 11 is supplied by an outside source (not shown) and can be stored in a system of tanks such as 506, 507, 508; however it is contemplated that coating composition material 11 can be produced within the same facility as the painting operation.

Information relative to tanks 507, 508 and the compositions therein, can be monitored by data acquisition module 518. Data acquisition module 518 is preferably (coupled) interfaced with a control module 519 configured to control the raw material entry portion or the upstream section of process 501. Optionally, data acquisition module 518 can be coupled with data acquisition module 526 to communicate or exchange information. Similarly, the control modules 519 and 527 coupled to data acquisition modules 518 and 526, respectively, can also be linked to each other to allow communication and exchange of information. This can be advantageous when automated supply and replenishment of the supply from tanks 507 or 508 into block 310 is implemented. Alternatively, modules 518 and/or 519 can communicate to 526 and/or 527 through a master control unit 610 or even directly with unit 610.

As with most data acquisition modules in the system, module 526 can be configured to retrieve and log a variety of and numerous characteristics. For example, the amount of material (e.g., coating composition or components thereof) introduced into a tank (not shown) within block 310 can be monitored. Other characteristics of material or liquid streams that can be monitored by 518 and/or 526 include, but are not limited to, concentration, percent solids, viscosity, temperature, liquid level, and flowrate. For modules 518 or 526 to acquire information, a plurality of evaluation tools can be connected and in communication with the modules.

In certain circumstances, an admixture of several raw material streams, based on a formulation, may be used to make a coating composition. Exemplary streams include, among other compounds, solvent, and additives (e.g. wetting agents, surfactants, catalysts, etc.). Additives may already exist in a raw material stream. Where coating composition 11 is made from multiple inlet streams, a formulation guide can be inputted into module 518 and communicated to a control module 519 to control key parameters that can achieve a desired coating composition. For example, guidelines or specifications for volumetric amounts, temperature and type of material (or stream) can be stored in the data structure of module 518. Control module 519 can then retrieve a stored formulation and use it to operate and optimize at least a portion of electro-coat operation 501.

Control module 519 preferably communicates with and controls (e.g. manipulating, or engaging on/off switches) apparatuses such as valves, pumps etc. specifically related to the coating composition supply 11 and application to the container 140. Alarm conditions can be monitored and dealt with on a timely basis using the monitoring process of the invention. Alarm or alert signals configurable within a module can include, for example, lights, audible devices, beacons, etc. For example, a type of alarm condition is the malfunction of a spray gun. Conventionally, a painting system has no response to such an alarm, but rather, parts will not be coated as they continue traveling through the process. The rejected parts can be unnoticed for long periods of time. In the practice of the invention, however, an appropriate response can be programmed within a control module to respond to the alarm condition.

As has been indicated herein, configuring a computer-based monitoring and control system within a process can provide beneficial capabilities besides merely acquiring and storing information. Detected out of range values can indicate not only the fact that a parameter is outside a predetermined range, but also that another unexpected or undesired condition may have or may be occurring. Such situations can affect the process, efficiency, productivity, and efficacy.

Block 110 depicts the drying/curing stages of process 501, where a bake or curing oven is implemented to harden or cure the deposited paint material on container 140. As seen in FIG. 5, the final “product” at the end of process 501 is a container 140 having a layer of hardened coating composition (e.g., paint) on it. Typically, a drying/curing block 110 includes a bake oven designed to accommodate the conveying system that moves containers through it to subject the container to elevated temperature.

Key variables within block 110 include the residence time, pressure, temperature, humidity and air flow rates at which ovens are operated. Maintaining and adjusting the ovens can be accomplished by control module 537 upon notification by data module 536. Module 537 can also change the set point accordingly, to achieve a desired operating temperature or to adjust for alert conditions.

Numerous types of evaluation tools (e.g. sensors, probes, meters) plugged into a process can be connected to and communicate with monitoring modules and/or control modules of the invention. The tools can be configured to measure and provide readings that correlate to a variety of process parameters, including, but not limited to, temperature, pressure, liquid level, line speed, equipment malfunction, equipment engagement (e.g. on/off), flow rate, percent solids, concentration, inventory, filter efficiency, volatile organic compound level (VOC in weight per unit volume) or combinations thereof.

Instead of, or in addition to directly linked tools, off-line quantitative, qualitative, or analytical tests that measure certain parameters may be desirable or necessary. In such cases, samples from the finishing process can be taken, and used to perform off-line tests. The results of the tests can then be manually (or automatically) inputted and logged into a data acquisition module for further processing and/or storage. Sampling is preferably performed according to a statistically sound sampling plan/schedule.

Data acquisition modules can be configured to also process, analyze and even generate reports. Of particular interest are software packages that can analyze data and provide the data calculated and manipulated within standards such as, for example, SPC and ISO certification guidelines. Other uses of the gathered data as contemplated by the invention include many aspects of running an operation, such as for example, business planning, forecasting, capacity planning, and inventory management. Data acquisition modules capable of analyzing and manipulating data also preferably generates reports that are viewable on-screen or printable. Reports can include raw and/or manipulated data, charts (e.g. trend charts), time v. parameter correlations, etc. Preferably, reports can be requested by any authorized user, including those having remote access to the system.

Control modules of the invention can include hardware and software specifically tailored for process control. As discussed above, more than one control module may be necessary to control the operation, particularly when the manufacturing process is relatively expansive and includes numerous equipment components.

Optionally, one or more display modules can be added to the system of the invention. The display module can be any conventional visual equipment or system such as a computer monitor or a continuous printout from a printer connected to either data acquisition modules or control modules. Monitors linked to a process management system can be used to display frames that represent control panels. Access (e.g. viewing, manipulating, adjusting) to the data and/or equipment, can be achieved through such frames.

Information retrieved and stored in the data and controls can be accessed, retrieved and analyzed by more than one user and independent of the user's location. As seen in the figures, recipients or users such as 520 and 530 can be located within the facility in which process is located or, in certain embodiments users 520 and 530 are authorized users located off-site, at a remote location. A remote location that may be desirably connected to a process management system includes for example, a user's home, hotel room, or “on-the-road.” Remote access users who can take advantage of real-time data include, but are not limited to technical service representatives, raw material suppliers, engineers, data and/or control module software developers, maintenance, management, and marketing. Authorized users having access to the system of the invention can be given authority and the ability to troubleshoot, generate reports, or make modifications to the finishing process.

The process management system of the invention can optionally be designed to be based on a client/server architecture. The system can also be expandable to include additional control modules as well as connectivity to other process or facility systems. Optionally, the system of the invention can be made to provide real-time alert information by sending alarm signals or messages directly to a user. This can be done in combination with or alternatively to the user accessing the information as his or her convenience. A real-time signal, for example, can be a page, email or text message to a pager, mobile phone, or other wireless device sent immediately when a data acquisition module interprets data to be within an alarm range (outside a product or process specification).

Also optionally, a system according to the invention can be configured to be web-server based, linked into an Ethernet network, a serial bus, or PC-based. A back-up system can be maintained. Various configurations of server architecture can be implemented. In one aspect, a web server is incorporated with the system so that any authorized user can access nearly instantaneous information and observe real-time processing via any web browser.

According to a method of the invention, a process for monitoring an operation can include establishing an acceptable range for various characteristics, parameters, and process variables. Data (e.g. readings or values) corresponding to each of the characteristics, parameters and variable can then be obtained before, during, or after the operation of the process. The information and data can be analyzed (e.g. compared) to access whether the acquired values are within the acceptable range first established. By performing these steps, and possibly repeating the series of steps, a process can be run efficiently. Preventive actions as well as reactive or corrective actions can be automatically performed to operate the process in an optional fashion.

As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, thermal image scanning may be used to monitor the painting/drying/curing process. FIG. 7 shows a colored thermal scan image of the back and side of a container 140 as it passes through system 110 and depicts regions of the system and container that are at different temperatures. Region 710 is the inside wall of the chamber 130 near a return suction opening 122 and is at approximately 70° C., while region 728 is near the floor of the chamber near slot/tube 160 and is at 80° C. Regions 720, 722, and 724 are at various regions of the container wall and are at temperatures of 55, 65 and 45° C. respectively. This indicates that the applied paint is drying at different rates in those regions. The operator can use this information to adjust temperatures, time, blower position or velocity, to ensure that all regions of the container are dried appropriately, and to avoid over drying of any regions.

FIG. 8 is a similar thermal image, but shows several containers 820 a, b and c progressing through the chamber. Individual regions of the various containers can be monitored as a function of time and or position in the chamber to ensure proper drying conditions. For example, region 824 b of container 820 b can be monitored and/or compared to a similar region 824 c on container 820 c.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

The composition of the present invention may be used to form primer coatings (or DTM coatings) having a wide range of dry film thicknesses. In illustrative embodiments, primer coatings have a dry film thickness in the range from about 20 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, preferably about 25 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, more preferably about 40 micrometers to about 130 micrometers, more preferably about 50 micrometers. In illustrative embodiments, DTM coatings have a dry film thickness in the range from about 25 micrometers to about 200 micrometers, preferably about 40 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, and more preferably about 60 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

In addition to the first aqueous coating composition, coating systems of the present invention optionally further include additional ingredient(s) including at least a second aqueous coating composition. Significantly, the second aqueous coating composition provides water-based top coatings with enhanced compatibility for underlying base coatings incorporating chlorinated resins. The second resin component includes at least one resin that preferably includes acid functionality (or a salt and/or ester thereof) in combination with one or more pigments that cumulatively are present in significant amounts as described further below. Suitable resin(s) for use in the second aqueous composition may be acyclic, non-aromatic cyclic, branched, linear, aliphatic, or aromatic. Preferably, at least a portion of the pigment content includes platelet-shaped pigments. Desirably, the at least one resin used in the second aqueous coating composition is a film forming resin either on its own or in combination with another feature such as coalescing aid(s) and/or heat. When these second aqueous coating compositions are applied onto underlying coatings incorporating chlorinated resin(s), for instance, the top coats shows less blistering, less peeling, great durability and improved adhesion.

The second aqueous coating composition may be a single phase solution in which one or more ingredients including at least the second resin component are substantially fully dispersed in the aqueous carrier. Alternatively, the coating compositions may include two or more phases. Compositions including two or more phases may be in the form of dispersions such as a dispersion in which one or more phases are dispersed in a continuous phase of another material and/or phase. Many dispersions are in the form of suspensions including but not limited to colloidal suspensions. In some embodiments, coating compositions are in the form of a latex or emulsion including polymer microparticles dispersed in an aqueous carrier. Some compositions may be water-reducible.

The acid functionality (if any) of the resin(s) may be pendant directly from the polymer backbone or may be linked to the backbone by a suitable linking group. Examples of suitable acid functionality include carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid, combinations of these and the like. A wide variety of counter cations may be used in those embodiments in which the acid group is supplied as a salt. Examples of such cations include Na+, Li+, NH4+, K+, combinations of these, and the like. In preferred embodiments, the acid functionality includes —C(O)ONH4+. Advantageously, when coating compositions including these moieties dry, the dried coatings release ammonia, leaving —C(O)OH functionality in the dried coating.

In exemplary embodiments, a suitable copolymer is derived from reactants including (a) at least one aromatic reactant including pendant free radically polymerizable functionality; (b) at least one free radically polymerizable reactant having pendant acid functionality (or a salt or ester thereof); and (c) optionally at least one other copolymerizable reactant with free radically polymerizable functionality. Such reactants often are monomers, oligomers, and/or resins.

Examples of reactant (a) include styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, t-butyl styrene, 1,3-Diisopropenylbenzene, 2,4,6-Trimethylstyrene, 2,4-Dimethylstyrene, 2,4-Diphenyl-4-methyl-1-pentene, 2,5-Dimethylstyrene, 2-Vinylnaphthalene, 3-Methylstyrene, 4-Benzyloxy-3-methoxystyrene, 9-Vinylanthracene, α,2-Dimethylstyrene, combinations of these, and the like. These may be substituted or non-substituted. Illustrative embodiments of the resin include from about 10 to about 70 parts by weight of reactant(s) (a) per about 100 parts by weight of the reactants used to form the resin.

Examples of reactant (b) include unsaturated or other free radically polymerized acids. In many embodiments, reactant (b) is provided by one or more carboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof having one or more acid groups. Examples include (meth)acrylic acid, sorbic acid maleic anhydride, maleic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, cinnamic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, combinations of these, and the like. Illustrative embodiments of the resin include from about 2 to about 20 parts by weight of reactant(s) (b) per about 100 parts by weight of the reactants used to form the resin. Preferably, the acid functionality is atypically high in that the one or more acid functional reactants incorporated into the resin are at least 3 weight percent, at least 4 weight percent, at least 5 weight percent, and up to 10, or 15, or 20 weight percent of total weight of all reactants used to make the resin.

Examples of reactant (c) include vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, lactams such as N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, (meth)acrylamide, N-substituted (meth)acrylamide, octyl (meth)acrylate, nonylphenol ethoxylate (meth)acrylate, isononyl (meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol (meth)acrylate, isobornyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, beta-carboxyethyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate; isobutyl (meth)acrylate, cycloaliphatic epoxide, alpha-epoxide, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, itaconic acid, isodecyl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid, N-vinylcaprolactam, stearyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxy functional caprolactone ester (meth)acrylate, octodecyl (meth)acrylate, isooctyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxymethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyisopropyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxyisobutyl (meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, combinations of these, and the like. Illustrative embodiments of the resin include from about 10 to about 80 parts by weight of reactant(s) (c) per about 100 parts by weight of the reactant used to form the resin.

The resins useful in the second aqueous compositions may be polymerized from the constituent reactants using a variety of suitable polymerization techniques that are currently known or hereafter developed. These techniques are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/560,329 (Publication 2007/0110981 A1, dated 17 May 2010.

In some embodiments, the second aqueous composition is in the form of a latex composition. The latex composition may comprise single stage and/or multistage latex polymers. Preferred single-stage latex polymers have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least −5° C., more preferably at least 15° C., and most preferably at least 25° C., and optimally at least 30° C. Preferred single-stage latex polymers for use have a Tg of less than 75° C., more preferably less than 65° C., and most preferably less than 55° C. Tg may be determined in the practice of the present invention using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques.

Preferred multistage latex polymers have between 10 and 50 wt. % hard segments and between 50 and 90 wt. % soft segments. The hard segment preferably has a Tg between 35 and 70° C., more preferably between 35 and 130° C. and the soft segment preferably has a Tg between 0 and 30° C.

It may also be advantageous to use a gradient Tg latex polymer made using continuously varying monomer feeds. The resulting polymer will typically have a DSC curve that exhibits no Tg inflection points, and could be said to have an essentially infinite number of Tg stages. For example, one may start with a high Tg monomer feed and then at a certain point in the polymerization start to feed a low Tg soft stage monomer composition into the high Tg hard stage monomer feed. The resulting multistage latex polymer will have a gradient Tg from high to low. In other embodiments, it may be favorable to feed a high Tg hard stage monomer composition into a low Tg soft stage monomer composition. A gradient Tg polymer may also be used in conjunction with multiple Tg polymers.

In addition to the free radically polymerizable resin(s) as described herein, the second resin component optionally may include one or more other kinds of resin components. Examples of other resins include polyurethanes, polyamides, polyimides, halogenated polymers, polysilicones, polyesters, alkyds, polyolefins, (meth)acrylic resins, combinations of these and the like.

The second aqueous coating composition preferably includes at least one resin in combination with one or more pigments that cumulatively are present in significant amounts as described further below. The one or more pigments generally are added to the second aqueous coating composition to help thicken the composition and/or to provide sag resistance, as well as improvements to application processes. These pigment(s) may be organic and/or inorganic. Inorganic pigments are more preferred. The pigments may have a variety of shapes such as being platelet-shaped, acicular, oblong, rounded, spherical, irregular, combinations of these and the like.

Without being bound by theory, optimal loading of pigments in topcoats formed from the second aqueous coating composition is believed to provide beneficial performance and application characteristics for the coating system. For example, the second aqueous coating composition desirably includes a sufficient amount of pigment content so that the resultant coating demonstrates enhanced compatibility with the underlying primer coating. Without being bound by theory, this enhanced compatibility may prevent the formation of blisters and the loss of adhesion between the primer layer and the topcoat layer. In addition, optimal pigment loading is believed to prevent entrapment of air, moisture or gases that would otherwise produce air bubbles during application to a substrate, or cause blistering and peeling of the coating from the substrate and/or primer. In many respects, the performance and application advantages are contrary to an industry bias that would expect performance to be reduced with increased pigment loading.

In many preferred embodiments, the second aqueous coating composition includes a sufficient amount of pigment, i.e. inorganic pigment particles, such that a resultant coating prepared from the second aqueous coating composition includes from about 15 to 85, preferably about 20 to 80, more preferably about 25 to 80 volume percent of the particles based on the total volume of the dry coating. These pigment particles are non-binder particles, and are distinct from film-forming particles (of binders, for example) that substantially coalesce and help to form part of the binder matrix in the resultant coating. Thus, the term “non-binder” with respect to the pigment particles indicates that the pigment particles retain at least a portion and preferably substantially all of their particulate character, either individually or as agglomerates or aggregates. Preferred pigment particles are non-binder particles, and are substantially non-film forming under the conditions used to form the second aqueous coating composition. To the extent that any portions of such particles might protrude from the coating surface, those protruding portions are deemed to be part of the pigment volume for purposes of calculating the pigment volume concentration (PVC) of the particles in the coating. Optimal pigment loading in the topcoat composition provides beneficial performance and application characteristics for the coating system, reducing air entrapment during application and improving adhesion of the topcoat and primer.

It is preferred that at least a portion of pigment content of the second aqueous coating composition includes one or more platelet shaped pigment particles. Platelet particles have excellent thickening properties, provide excellent sag resistance, and also help with air release.

Examples of platelet-shaped pigments include one or more of a clay such as china clay, mica, talc, combinations of these, and the like. China clay advantageously has less of an impact upon gloss than do many other platelet shaped particles, which is beneficial when higher gloss topcoatings are desired.

In many embodiments, the second aqueous coating composition preferably includes about 0 to 50 parts by weight, preferably about 10 parts by weight, more preferably about 15 to 50 parts by weight, and most preferably up to about 35 parts by weight of platelet-shaped particles per 100 parts by weight of the total weight of the second aqueous coating composition.

The size of platelet particles, expressed as a volume average, may vary over a wide range, ranging from finely sized particles to coarse particles. In illustrative embodiments, platelet particles may have a size in the range from about 0.5 to 50 micrometers, preferably about 1 to 10 micrometers, more preferably about 3 to 5 micrometers. In an aspect, preferably at least about 50 wt %, more preferably about 75 wt % and most preferably about 95 wt % of the platelet-shaped particles have size in the range from about 0.5 to 50 micrometers, preferably about 1 to 10 micrometers.

It is desirable that the entire pigment content of the second aqueous coating composition is not all in the form of only platelet shaped particles. By themselves, the platelet particles may help thicken the composition and may help improve sag resistance and application of the coating composition. Yet too much platelet content could form a barrier to moisture and trapped gases in a dried coating. This could make it more difficult to release trapped air and/or trapped moisture from the coating during manufacture and/or coating. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the pigments of the second aqueous coating composition desirably include at least one kind of non-platelet shaped particle used in combination with at least one kind of platelet shaped particle.

A wide variety of non-platelet shaped particles could be used in combination with platelet shaped particles. Examples include one or more insoluble sulfates; one or more insoluble carbides; one or more insoluble nitrides; one or more insoluble oxynitrides; one or more insoluble oxycarbides; one or more insoluble oxides; one or more insoluble carbonates; combinations of these and the like. Examples of these include sulfates, carbides, nitrides, oxides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, and/or carbonates of one or more of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, a transition metal, a lanthanoid series metal, an actinoid series metal, Si, Ge, Ga, Al, Sn, Pb, combinations of these, and the like. Specific embodiments of such particles include BaSO4, titania, SiC, SiN, TiC, TiN, combinations of these, and the like. BaSO4 is preferred in many formulations. In some embodiments, some pigments help to maintain gloss, help thicken the second aqueous coating composition while allowing air to escape, and help provide resultant coatings with a desirable level of permeability so that moisture has good egress to and from the resultant coating.

The size of non-platelet particles, expressed as a volume average, may vary over a wide range, ranging from finely sized particles to coarse particles. In illustrative embodiments, non-platelet particles may have a size in the range from about 0.1 micrometers to 50 micrometers, preferably about 0.5 to 10 micrometers. In an aspect, preferably at least about 50 wt %, more preferably about 75 wt % and most preferably about 95 wt % of the platelet-shaped particles have size in the range from about 0.1 to 50 micrometers, preferably about 0.5 to 10 micrometers.

The weight ratio of platelet-shaped to non-platelet shaped pigments can vary over a wide range. For example, one embodiment of a second aqueous coating composition includes about 14.5 weight percent of relatively rounded BaSO4 particles and about 14.5 percent by weight of platelet shaped china clay based on the total weight of the coating solids.

The pigments also serve other functions in the coating. By way of example, pigments may be used as thickeners, to help reduce foaming, and to help improve sag resistance. Additionally, pigments may be added to the coating to serve one or more of the functions described below with respect to optional additional ingredients.

In many embodiments, the second aqueous coating composition preferably includes at least 10 parts by weight, more preferably at least 15 parts by weight and up to 50 parts by weight, and most preferably up to about 35 parts by weight of platelet-shaped particles per about 100 parts by weight of the second resin component.

Additional particulate components of the second aqueous coating composition may be in the form of one or more additional ingredients described below.

The amount of second resin component in the second aqueous coating composition may be selected from a wide range. Generally, if the amount of resin component is too low, then it may be difficult to form a film, more difficult to form a film that has sufficient adhesion to the substrate, the film may have insufficient corrosion resistance or other performance, and/or the like. If too much is used, then it may be harder to formulate a pigmented system or it may be more difficult to make a material that can be applied to the substrate. Balancing such concerns, the second aqueous coating composition preferably includes from about 10 to about 70 weight percent, more preferably about 15 to about 50 weight percent, and most preferably about 20 to about 40 weight percent of the first resin component based on the total weight of the aqueous coating composition.

The second resin component is in admixture with an aqueous fluid carrier, wherein “aqueous” is as defined above with respect to the aqueous carrier used in the first aqueous coating composition. In addition to water, the aqueous carrier of the second aqueous coating composition optionally may include one or more additional, optional co-carriers. Co-carrier(s) may be used for a variety of purposes, including helping in film formation and/or paint stability. Examples of co-carriers include butyl cellulose, alcohol(s), such as butanol, coalescents (e.g., conventional ester alcohol(s), such as the Eastman Texanol product and/or low VOC coalescents such as are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,762,230), glycol ether(s), combinations of these, and the like. Desirably, so-called VOC-exempt co-solvent(s) are preferred.

The amount of co-carrier included in the second aqueous coating composition can vary over a wide range. The amount(s) to use will depend on factors including the type of co-carrier, the purpose for which the co-carrier is being added, the coating technique(s) that might be used to apply the first aqueous coating composition onto a substrate, and the like. In illustrative embodiments, the second aqueous coating composition may include from about 0.3 to about 20 weight percent, desirably about 1 to about 5 weight percent of co-carrier(s) based on the total weight of co-carrier and water included in the composition.

To further enhance heat resistance, one or more agents that help reflect heat and electromagnetic energy and/or that resist absorbing heat and electromagnetic energy may be incorporated into the second dispersion.

Examples of these include agents described in Assignee's co-pending application, WO2012003449, filed Jul. 1, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. App. Ser. No. 60/360,804, filed Jul. 1, 2010. These may be incorporated into the coating in accordance with conventional practices currently known or hereafter developed.

In some embodiments, such reflecting or absorbing agents include non-infrared-absorptive colored pigments. Exemplary such pigments may be inorganic or organic in nature, and include but are not limited to those referred to in U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,848 B2 (Sliwinski et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,744 B1 (Sainz et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,989,056 B2 (Babler) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,112 B2 (Haines) and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0126441 A1 (Skelhorn). Inorganic pigments are especially desirable and include single or mixed metal oxides formed from a variety of metals, e.g., from aluminum, antimony, bismuth, boron, chromium, cobalt, gallium, indium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, neodymium, nickel, niobium, silicon, tin, vanadium or zinc. It may be desirable to avoid using embodiments including Zn or the like if use of such ingredients in the resultant top coat may have a tendency to degrade or otherwise react with the chlorinated resin in the underlying primer layer. As an option, mixed metal combinations can be used, as described above, that provide a stabilizing effect. For example, mixed metal stabilization may occur in systems including combinations of barium/zinc, calcium/zinc, barium/calcium/zinc, and the like.

Exemplary metal oxides include Cr₂O₃, Al₂O₃, V₂O₃, Ga₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, Mn₂O₃, Ti₂O₃, In₂O₃, TiBO₃, NiTiO₃, MgTiO₃, CoTIO₃, ZnTiO₃, FeTiO₃, MnTiO₃, CrBO₃, NiCrO₃, FeBO₃, FeMoO₃, FeSn(BO₃)₂, BiFeO₃, AlBO₃, Mg₃Al₂SiO₁₂, NdAlo₃, LaAlO₃, MnSnO₃, LiNbO₃, LaCoO₃, MgSiO₃, ZnSiO₃, Mn(Sb,Fe)O₃ and mixtures thereof. The metal oxide may have a rutile-kassiterite, spinel, and/or corundum-hematite crystal lattice structure as described in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,848 B2, or may be a host component having a corundum-hematite crystalline structure which contains as a guest component one or more elements selected from aluminum, antimony, bismuth, boron, chromium, cobalt, gallium, indium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, neodymium, nickel, niobium, silicon, tin, vanadium and zinc.

Black non-infrared-absorptive pigments are of particular interest due to the high infrared absorption of conventional carbon black pigments and the widespread use of carbon black pigments in conventional dark-tinted paints and stains. A variety of black non-infrared-absorptive pigments are commercially available, including mixed metal oxide pigments such as those supplied by Ferro Corporation under the COOL COLORS™ and ECLIPSE™ trademarks, for example V-778 COOL COLORS IR Black, V-780 COOL COLORS IR Black, V-799 COOL COLORS IR Black, 10201 ECLIPSE Black, 10202 ECLIPSE Black and 10203 ECLIPSE Black; mixed metal oxide pigments such as those supplied by Shepherd Color Company under the ARTIC™ trademark, for example ARTIC Black 376, ARTIC Black 10C909, ARTIC Black 411 and ARTIC Black 30C940; mixed metal oxide pigments such as those supplied by Tomatec America, Inc. under the numbers 42-707A and 707V10; and perylene-based or other organic colorants such as those supplied by BASF Corp. under the PALIOGEN™ trademark including PALIOGEN Black S 0084.

These same suppliers also provide non-infrared-absorptive colored pigments in a variety of hues other than black, typically under the same trademarks, and these may likewise be employed in the disclosed coating compositions. Exemplary non-infrared-absorptive non-black pigments include inorganic pigments such as iron oxide, magnesium silicates, calcium carbonate, aluminosilicates, silica and various clays; organic pigments including plastic pigments such as solid bead pigments (e.g., polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride beads); and microsphere pigments containing one or more voids (e.g., those discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0043162 A1 (Bardman et al.).

Other exemplary non-infrared-absorptive pigments include EXPANCEL⇔551DE20 acrylonitrile/vinyl chloride expanded particles (from Expancel Inc.), SIL-CEL⇔43 glass micro cellular fillers (from Silbrico Corporation), FILLIE⇔100 ceramic spherical particles (from Trelleborg Fillite Inc.), SPHERICEL™ hollow glass spheres (from Potter Industries Inc.), 3M ceramic microspheres including grades G-200, G-400, G-600, G-800, W-210, W-410, and W-610 (from 3M); 3M hollow microspheres including 3M Performance Additives iM30K (also from 3M), INHANCE™ UH 1900 polyethylene particles (from Fluoro-Seal Inc.), and BIPHOR aluminum phosphate (from Bunge Fertilizantes S.A., Brazil).

The disclosed coating compositions may also contain non-infrared-absorptive non-colored pigments such as titanium dioxide and white zinc oxide, either of which if used without the presence of a colored pigment would provide a white rather than colored coating composition. The addition of such non-colored pigments to the above-mentioned non-infrared-absorptive colored pigments can provide tinted paints and stains having a lightened shade and improved hiding power. Preferably the disclosed coating compositions contain about 8 to about 50 wt. % and more preferably about 20 to about 30 wt. % pigment based on total solids. Expressed on the basis of pigment volume concentration, the disclosed coating compositions preferably contain about 10 to about 40% and more preferably about 15 to about 20% pigment. The compositions desirably are free of or substantially free of infrared-absorptive colored pigments, e.g., carbon black, black iron oxide, brown oxide and raw umber.

A wide variety of other additional ingredients optionally may be included in the second aqueous coating composition if desired. Examples of these include one or more defoaming aids, grinding aids, wetting agents, surfactants, coalescing aids, processing aids, skid resistance agents, abrasion resistance agents, conductive agents, antistatic agents, coloring agents, anticorrosion aids, thickeners, sag resistant agents, plasticizers, antioxidants, ultraviolet stabilizers, biocides, fungicides, fillers, combinations of these, and the like. These can be used in accordance with conventional practices currently known or hereafter developed.

The second aqueous coating composition can be made using a variety of techniques. Exemplary techniques are described below in the examples.

The top coat composition of the present invention may be used to form top coatings having a wide range of thicknesses. In illustrative embodiments, top coatings have a thickness in the range from about 15 micrometers to 200 micrometers, preferably about 15 micrometers to 100 micrometers, more preferably about 30 micrometers to 50 micrometers.

The coating compositions and coating systems of the present invention can be used to coat a wide variety of substrates. Exemplary substrates include natural and engineered buildings, freight containers, flooring materials, walls, furniture, other building materials, motor vehicle components, aircraft components, trucks, rail cars and engines, marine components, machinery components, laminates, equipment components, appliances, packaging, and the like. Exemplary substrate materials include metals, metal alloys, intermetallic compositions, metal-containing composites, combinations of these, and the like. Exemplary metals include aluminum, steel, weathering steel, stainless steel, and the like. The coating compositions can be applied on new substrates or can be used to refurbish old substrates.

In use, a substrate to be coated is provided. The substrate may be bare or may be at least partially coated with a previous coating system, such as a so-called shop primer used to coat metal substrates. Illustrative shop primers include conventional shop primers and the novel primers disclosed in Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/322,795 (“Waterborne Shop Primer”, Prevost et al.), filed 9 Apr. 2010. It may be desirable to clean the substrate to remove grease, dirt, and other contaminants. Pre-existing coatings may or may not be removed as well, depending upon the context. When the substrate is ready, the first aqueous coating composition is applied to at least a portion of the substrate surface. Optionally, the coating is allowed to dry or partially dry to form a base coating. One or more additional coats of the first aqueous coating composition can be applied if desired. Often, a single coating is suitable. Next, the second aqueous coating composition is applied onto at least a portion of the base coating and allowed to dry to form a top coating. Additional portions of the substrate not bearing the base coating may be coated with the top coat as well, if desired. One or more additional coats of the second aqueous coating composition can be applied if desired. Often, a single coating is suitable. The first and second dispersion may be applied to the substrate using any suitable technique, such as by brushing, spraying, spin coating, roll coating, curtain coating, dipping, gravure coating, and/or the like.

In addition to being applied over primer coatings formed by the first aqueous composition, the top coat composition can be applied to form coatings on other kinds of coated and uncoated substrates as well. For example, some embodiments of the second aqueous coating composition may be used to top coat coated or uncoated stainless steel and/or epoxy primer coatings as described in Assignee's co-pending application WO2012054691, filed 20 Oct. 2011, which claims priority to U.S. App. Ser. No. 61/394,992, filed 20 Oct. 2010.

The coating system of the present invention is particularly suitable for forming protective coatings on cargo containers. Preferably, the coating system is used with cargo containers involved in intermodal freight transport. Many of such containers at least substantially conform to an international standard applicable to cargo containers that are transported by at least one of a marine cargo system that transports cargo across waterways, a system that transports cargo along a railway, and/or a system that transports cargo along a roadway. Such containers are often exposed to extreme environments in terms of weather exposure, salt water exposure, fresh water exposure, heat from the sun, and the like during their service lives. Even though such containers often may be made from corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel and/or weathering steel, further protection against abrasion, corrosion, and the like is needed.

An exemplary intermodal cargo container is often referred to in the industry as a refrigerated cargo container. These containers generally include a metal frame defining the boundary of the container. Wall, floor, and ceiling panels are attached to the frame such as by bolts, welding, rivets, or the like. The panels can be made from a wide variety of metals, metal alloys, intermetallic compositions, or other metal-containing materials as described above. Due to its low cost and corrosion resistance, weathering steel (sometimes referred to as COR-TEN brand steel) often is used to make the panels. In a manner similar to aluminum, weathering steel oxidizes on the surface, but then this oxidation forms a barrier to protect the underlying steel from further corrosion. According to ASTM standards, weathering steel is available in grades including A242, A588, and A602. The container frames also may be made from weathering steel or a different metal composition. Even though weathering steel develops a protective oxidation barrier against corrosion, the industry still tends to widely apply protective coatings onto intermodal containers made from weathering steel. The coatings provide decoration, brand identity, bar codes, and other indicia.

The present invention shows excellent adhesion and performance when used to protect intermodal containers, including those made from weathering steel. A typical container will be supplied bearing a layer of oxide on at least a portion of the surfaces. In some instances, so called shop primer may also be applied to some surfaces, but not usually on the welds. The shop primer is a Zn-rich primer that helps to protect the steel from corrosion during container assembly.

The first aqueous coating composition of the present invention shows excellent adhesion to both shop primed and unprimed metal surfaces. Thus, the shop primer on the weathering steel need not be removed. However, for better adhesion, it is desirable to remove the oxide from the surface. This can be done in any suitable way such as by shot blasting. Once the surface is cleaned, a base coat of the present invention can be formed. After this, a top coat of the present invention is formed over the base coat. Even though both the base coat and top coat are water-based, the resultant coating system provides excellent gloss, durability, corrosion resistance, adhesion, resistance to blisters, resistance to peeling, and resistance to cracking.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following illustrative examples.

Example 1A

The following ingredients are charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE 1a Raw material Vendor Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 AlPO3 Various 6.05 6.05 Ammonium Hydroxide Ashland 0.0026 0.0026 0.0026 Bentone LT Elements 0.086 0.086 0.086 BYK 024 BYK 0.13 0.13 0.13 BYK 155 BYK 0.52 0.52 0.52 Dynol 604 Air Products 0.17 0.17 0.17 Epi-rez 3510 Hexion 3.4 EB solvent Eastman Chemicals 1.44 1.44 1.44 Monolite carbon black Heubauch 0.85 0.85 0.85 Pluronic F87 (30%) in Water BASF 5.1 5.1 5.1 Shieldex Grace 6.05 Sodium nitrite (10%) in water Shiwu 0.81 0.81 0.81 Surfynol 104 Air Products 0.46 0.46 0.46 Talc Specialty Monerals 20.37 20.37 20.37 Texanol Eastman Chemicals 0.0937 0.0937 0.0937 Water 15.41 10.6 10.6

The mixture is dispersed at high speed to a grind of 5-6 Hegman, then letdown with the following mixture of Table 1b. In some modes of practice, it may be desirable to pre-disperse the Bentone LT material in a portion of the water.

TABLE 1b Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 0.16 0.16 0.16 Haloflex 202 DSM Neoresins 47.15 47.15 47.15

To the above is added the ingredients listed in Table 1c.

TABLE 1c Acrylsol RM-8W Rohm & Haas 0.03 0.03 0.03 Foamaster S Cognis 0.21 0.21 0.21

The primers of Runs 1 and 2 are formulated for situations that might experience high use temperatures. The primer of Run 1 is further formulated with a lower pH for improved flash rusting resistance. The primer of Run 3 has an epoxy component also to improve heat resistance.

Example 1B

The procedure of Example 1A, Run 3 is followed except that the Epi-rez 3510 epoxy resin is added with the ingredients of Table 1c instead of with the ingredients of Table 1a.

Example 2 Waterborne Topcoat Formulations

The following ingredients are charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE 2a Raw material Vendor Run 1 Run 2 Aerosil 200 Evonik 0.4 0.4 ASP 170 BASF 11.6 11.6 Cimbar Ex Cimbar 11.6 11.6 Disperbyk 190 BYK 1.2 1.2 EB Solvent Eastman 0.9 0.9 Chemicals Foamaster SA-3 Cognis 0.3 0.3 Red Oxide Chemik 1.8 Tiona 595 Cristal 0.5 5 Water 4.3 4.3 Yellow Oxide Chemik 2.6

The mixture is dispersed at high speed to a grind of 6.5 Hegman, then letdown with the following mixture of Table 2b.

TABLE 2b Acrylsol RM-8W Rohm & Haas 1.4 1.4 Ammonium Hydroxide Ashland 0.5 0.5 EPS2568 E.P.S. 43.3 43.3 Foamaster SA-3 Cognis 0.4 0.4 Texanol Eastman 2.2 2.2 Chemicals Water 17 16.9

The top coat of Run 1 has relatively high pigment to binder ratio and is a brown color. The top coat of Run 2 had relatively high pigment to binder ratio and is a white color.

Example 3 Water-Based Primer with Zn

The following ingredients are charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE C1a Raw material Vendor Run 1 Ammonium Hydroxide Ashland 0.0026 Bentone LT Elements 0.086 BYK 024 BYK 0.13 BYK 155 BYK 0.52 Dynol 604 Air Products 0.17 EB solvent Eastman Chemicals 1.44 K-White 84S Tayca 6.05 Monolite carbon black Heubauch 0.85 Pluronic F87 30%in Water BASF 5.1 Sodium nitrite 10%in water Shiwu 0.81 Surfynol 104 Air Products 0.46 Talc Specialty Minerals 20.37 Texanol Eastman Chemicals 0.0937 Water 15.41

The mixture is dispersed at high speed to a grind of 5-6 Hegman, then letdown with the following mixture of Table C1b. The Bentone LT may be predispersed in a portion of the water.

TABLE C1b Ammonium Hydroxide Ashland 0.16 Heloflex 202 DSM Neoresins 47.15 Then add: Acrysol RM-8W Rohm & Haas 0.03 Foamaster S Cognis 0.21

Example 4 Water-Based Topcoat

The following ingredients are charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE 4a Raw material Run 1 Aerosil 200 Evonik 0.4 Disperbyk 190 BYK 1.1 EB Solvent Eastman 0.9 Chemicals Foamaster SA-3 Cognis 0.3 Tiona 595 Cristal 11.9 Water 3

The mixture is dispersed at high speed to a grind of 6.5 Hegman, then letdown with the following mixture of Table C2b.

TABLE 4b Acrysol RM-8W Rohm & Haas 1.4 Ammonium Hydroxide Ashland 0.5 EPS2568 E.P.S. 60.8 Foamaster SA-3 Cognis 0.5 Texanol Eastman 2.2 Chemicals Water 17

Example 5 Performance Testing

Coatings prepared in the above examples are applied on standard dry container lines with minimal modification and can run at similar line speeds when used in conjunction with suitable curing ovens such as are as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/837,833 (System and Method for Drying Five-sided Containers (Nowack), filed 16 Jul. 2010. The above inventive examples pass IICL specification and industry standard performance testing. For better results the first aqueous composition is allowed to substantially dry before the second aqueous composition is applied.

Performance testing of primer/top coat systems are reported in the following tables.

Water Soak 60 Heat Testing 30 Salt Spray hours @ 77 days at 180F Testing ASTM degrees F constant Combination B117 w/tap water temperature Ex #1 Run 1/Ex#2 Run 1 No. 10 No. 10 No. 10 Ex #1 Run 1/Ex#2 Run 2 No. 10 No. 10 No. 10 Ex #1 Run 2/Ex#2 Run 1 No. 10 No. 10 No. 10 Ex #1 Run 2/Ex#2 Run 2 No. 10 No. 10 No. 10 Ex #1 Run 3/Ex#2 Run 1 No. 10 No. 10 No. 10 Ex #1 Run 3/Ex#2 Run 2 No. 10 No. 10 No. 10 Ex #3 Run 1/Ex#2 Run 1 No. 10 No. 10 Medium No. 6 Ex #1 Run 1/Ex#4 Run 1 Medium No. 8 Medium No. 8 No. 10 Ex #3 Run 1/Ex#4 Run 1 Medium No. 8 Medium No. 8 Medium No. 6

Blister rating per ASTM D-714

Water vapor transmission rate Description (g/m2/day) Temperature Relative Humidity Example #1 Run 1 5.3 38.7 C. 90% Example #2 Run 1 65.1 38.7 C. 90%

Test Equipment: Illinois Instruments Model 7001

Test Method

The water-based primer compositions in Examples 5-8 were evaluated for sag resistance using the Dry Sag Resistance Test and Wet Sag Resistance Test.

Dry Sag Resistant Test—

this test is performed in a typical “dry” environment in which a coating dries.

-   -   1. Prepare a sample by thoroughly stirring with a spatula in a         container.     -   2. Strain if necessary to remove large particles or skins.     -   3. Adjust the temperature of the sample to 21° C.±2° C.     -   4. Affix a suitable test chart onto a drawdown plate. For         example, use black and white Leneta charts in accordance with         the color of the sample being tested.     -   5. Fasten a straight edge onto the drawdown plate in a suitable         position.     -   6. Place an Anti-Sag bar (1-6 mil (25-152 micron) bar or 3-12         mil (635-305 micron) bar) at the far end of the chart, with the         open side toward the operator.     -   7. If desired, position a catch-paper just underneath the lower         edge of the chart.     -   8. Immediately after stirring, place about 8 mL of paint in         front of the drawdown bar.     -   9. Draw down the coating at a uniform speed of about 6 inches         per second (15.24 cm/second) with the applicator pressed against         the straightedge to maintain a straight path.     -   10. Immediately hang the chart vertically with the drawdown         stripes in a horizontal orientation like rungs in a standing         ladder with the thinnest stripe at the top.     -   11. Allow the sag chart to dry in this position.     -   12. When the film is dry, note the notch clearances marked on         the Anti-Sag Meter and identify the corresponding stripes         accordingly.     -   13. Observe the sag pattern, ignoring the bottom stripe, which         serves only as a position reference for the stripe above it.     -   14. Select the lowest (thickest) stripe that has resisted         crossing the gap to touch the next lower stripe. This is         referred to as the index stripe.     -   15. Estimate the degree to which the next lower stripe (post         index stripe) has merged with the one below it.         -   15.1 Degree of Merger of Post-Index Stripe

Addendum Fraction Complete 0.0 Almost Complete 0.2 Somewhat more than half 0.4 Half 0.5 Somewhat less than half 0.6 Slight (just touching) 0.8

-   -   16. Multiply the fraction from step 15.1 by the clearance step         between the index and Post-index stripes to obtain the “index         addendum”.     -   17. Report the sag resistance as the index stripe clearance plus         the index addendum. This value is referred to as the Horizontal         Anti-Sag Index of the coating.     -   18. Report the Anti-Sag Index in mils or micrometers (usually         reported in mils). (Note: in the tables for Examples 5-8, this         is reported as “sag room conditions”).

Wet Sag Resistant Test—

this test is performed in a representative “humid” environment in which a coating dries.

-   -   This test is performed in a manner similar to the “Dry Sag         Resistant Test” with the modifications described below.     -   For step 6, a 3-12 (76-305 micron) mil or 12-60 mil (305-1524         micron) Leneta Anti-Sag Blade is used.     -   For step 10, immediately after making the drawdown, hang the         drawdown in a 5 gallon (20 liter) pail having three inches         (7.6 cm) of water in the bottom. Hang the drawdown with the         stripes of paint in a horizontal position with lower mil         thickness at the top. Place a cover over the bucket and allow         the sample to dry for 20 minutes. It is estimated that the         relative humidity of this test chamber is approximately greater         than 80 percent.     -   For evaluating the sample, the strip of paint that sags         sufficiently to cross into the next thicker strip of paint below         should be considered the mil (micron) thickness where failure         occurs. Also, record where the strip of paint forms dripping         tears. This is a single area of failure on a strip of paint. In         the tables for Examples 5-8, this is reported as “sag humid         conditions”

Example 6 Water-Based Primer Compositions Having Different Amounts of a Urethane Thickener

The following ingredients were charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE 6a Raw materials Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Water 133.4 133.4 133.4 133.4 BYK 024 Defoamer 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 Disperbyk-190 Surfactant 20.1 20.1 20.1 20.1 Raven 850 Black Black Pigment 24.6 24.6 24.6 24.6 from Columbian Chemicals BYK 155 Surfactant 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6 30% Pluronic F87 in Surfactant 37 37 37 37 Water Surfynol 104 Surfactant 5 5 5 5 Dynol 604 Surfactant 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 AlPO3 Anti-corrosive 65.8 65.8 65.8 65.8 Aerosil 200 Fumed Silica 12.9 12.9 12.9 12.9 Talc Filler 227.3 227.3 227.3 227.3 10% Sodium nitrite in Flash Rust 8.9 8.9 8.9 8.9 water additive EB solvent Solvent 23.6 23.6 23.6 23.6 Texanol Solvent 1 1 1 1 Water 33.9 33.9 33.9 33.9

The mixture was dispersed at high speed and run through a media mill to 5-6 NS according to a Hegman gauge, then letdown with the following mixture of Table 5b.

TABLE 6b Haloflex 202 PVDC Resin 512.9 512.9 512.9 512.9 Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 To the above was added the ingredients listed in Table 5c.

TABLE 6c Foamaster S Defoamer 2.2 Rheolate 288 from Elementis Thickener 0 0.6 1.6 2.6

TABLE 6d Sag Room Conditions (wet mil) 4 6 9 14 Sag Humid Conditions (wet mil) <4 4 4 6

Example 7 Water-Based Primer Compositions Having Different Amounts of a Fumed Silica Anti-Sag Agent

The following ingredients were charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE 7a Raw material Run 1 Run 2 Water 144 114.9 Bentone LT Thickener 1 1 HSD 5 minutes then add: Water 20 18.5 Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 0.03 0.03 BYK 024 Defoamer 1.5 1.4 BYK 155 Surfactant 6.1 6 30% Pluronic F87 in Water Surfactant 40 40 Surfynol 104 Surfactant 5.4 5.3 Dynol 604 Surfactant 2 2 AlPO3 Anti-corrosive 71 71 Aerosil 200 Fumed Silica 0 5 Talc Filler 239.2 239.2 10% Sodium nitrite in water Flash Rust additive 9.6 9.8 EB solvent Solvent 17 16.9 Texanol Solvent 0 1 Water 31.5 31.4 Monolite carbon black Black Tint paste 10 10 Note: “HSD” in Table 7a means “high speed disperser.”

The mixture was dispersed at high speed and run through a media mill to 5-6 NS according to a Hegman gauge, then letdown with the following mixture of Table 6b.

TABLE 7b Haloflex 202 PVDC Resin 553.6 552.4 Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 1.9 1.9

To the above was added the ingredients listed in Table 6c.

TABLE 7c Foamaster S Defoamer 2.4 2.4 RM-8W Thickener 0.3 0.3

TABLE 7d Sag Room Conditions (wet mil) 12 14 Sag Humid Conditions (wet mil) 4 4

Example 6 shows that fumed silica does not help sag resistance in a humid environment.

Example 8 Water-Based Primer Compositions Having Different Amounts of a CAS Agent

The following ingredients were charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE 8a Raw material Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Water 118.5 118.5 118.5 118.5 Bentone LT CAS Agent 1 2 2.8 3.4 HSD 5 minutes then add: Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 BYK 024 Defoamer 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 BYK 155 Surfactant 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 30% Pluronic F87 in Water Surfactant 57.2 57.2 57.2 57.2 Surfynol 104 Surfactant 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 Dynol 604 Surfactant 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 AlPO3 Anti-corrosive 67.8 67.8 67.8 67.8 Aerosil 200 Fumed Silica 0 0 0 0 Mistron Monomix Extender pigment 228.4 228.4 228.4 228.4 from Rio Tinto Minerals 10% Sodium nitrite in water Flash Rust additive 9.1 9.1 9.1 9.1 EB solvent Solvent 16.2 16.2 16.2 16.2 Texanol Solvent 1 1 1 1 Water 47.2 47.2 47.2 47.2 Monolite carbon black Black Tint paste 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5

The mixture was dispersed at high speed for runs 1 and 2 to 5-6 NS according to a Hegman gauge and run through a media mill to a 5-6 NS Hegman for runs 3 and 4, then letdown with the following mixture of Table 8b.

TABLE 8b Haloflex 202 PVDC Resin 528.8 528.8 528.8 528.8 Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8

To the above was added the ingredients listed in Table 8c.

TABLE 8c Epi-rez 3510 Epoxy emulsion 36.5 36.5 36.5 36.5 Foamaster S Defoamer 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 RM-8W Thickener 0.3 0 0 0

TABLE 8d Run 1 Run 2 Run 3 Run 4 Sag Room Conditions (wet mil) 12 12 15 17 Sag Humid Conditions (wet mil) 4 9 14 16 Viscosity (Krebs) 80 65 75 79

All samples added 5% water before testing sag

Example 8 shows that Bentone LT provides desirable sag resistance in a humid environment without requiring any additional sag resistant agents or thickeners.

Example 9 Water-Based Primer Compositions Having Different Amounts of a CAS Agent

The following ingredients were charged to a high speed mixing vessel. All listed amounts are parts by weight unless otherwise noted.

TABLE 9a Raw material Run 1 Run 2 Water 164.5 173.2 Bentone LT CAS Agent 1.65 3.3 HSD 5 minutes then add: Water 17.6 17.3 Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 0 0 BYK 024 Defoamer 1.3 1.3 Disperbyk-190 Surfactant 19.2 18.9 Raven 850 Black Black Pigment from 23.4 23 Columbian Chemicals BYK 155 Surfactant 7.7 9.5 30% Pluronic F87 in Water Surfactant 35.3 34.7 Surfynol 104 Surfactant 4.7 4.6 Dynol 604 Surfactant 2.2 2 AlPO3 Anti-corrosive 62.3 61.6 Talc Filler 265.6 261.2 10% Sodium nitrite in water Flash Rust additive 8.4 8.3 EB solvent Solvent 22.4 22 Texanol Solvent 1 1 Water 34 22.7

The mixture was dispersed at high speed for runs 1 and 2 to 5-6 NS Hegman, then letdown with the following mixture of Table 9b.

TABLE 9b Haloflex 202 PVDC Resin 488 480 Ammonium Hydroxide pH control 1.6 1.6

To the above was added the ingredients listed in Table 9c.

TABLE 9c Foamaster S Defoamer 2.6 2.6 RM-8W Thickener 0 0

TABLE 9d Sag Room Conditions (wet mil) 8 12 Sag Humid Conditions (wet mil) 4 10

Other embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification or from practice of the invention disclosed herein. Various omissions, modifications, and changes to the principles and embodiments described herein may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention which is indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is: 1-15. (canceled)
 16. A method for monitoring an industrial intermodal container painting operation, the method comprising: applying one or more layers of paint to at least one surface of an intermodal shipping container in a paint application system; introducing the intermodal shipping container with paint applied thereon into a drying system, wherein the drying system produces a flow of heated air to at least the inside surfaces of the shipping container; establishing an acceptable range for at least one characteristic of the painting operation; retrieving at least one value corresponding to the at least one characteristic; analyzing the at least one value; and assessing whether the at least one value is within the acceptable range.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein retrieving at least one value corresponding to at least one characteristic comprises using at least one data acquisition module configured to receive characteristics of the painting operation.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one data acquisition module is integrated with at least one process control module.
 19. The method claim 18, further comprising at least one remote access module in communication with at least one of the data acquisition module and the process control module.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising an industrial control system in communication with at least one of the data acquisition model and the process control module.
 21. The method of claim 16, further comprising a display module.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the display module is wireless.
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one process control module comprises an output signal, wherein the output signal is a system selected from a group consisting of a visual alert, an audible alert, an alarm, a process adjustment, and combinations thereof.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the output signal is transmittable to a wireless receiver.
 25. The method of claim 17, wherein the data acquisition module comprises at least one evaluation tool, wherein the tool is configured in the paint application system to measure at least one characteristic of the painting operation, the characteristic selected from a group consisting of paint temperature, paint viscosity, tank level, pump pressure, paint flow rate, spray gun performance, ambient temperature, and ambient relative humidity.
 26. The method of claim 17, wherein the data acquisition module comprises at least one evaluation tool, wherein the at least one tool is configured in the drying system to measure at least one characteristic of the painting operation, the characteristic selected from a group consisting of air velocity, chamber temperature, chamber humidity, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, environment within the container, air velocity within the container, air direction within the container, surface temperature within the container, and surface temperature outside the container.
 27. The method of claim 17, wherein the data acquisition module comprises an evaluation tool configured in the drying system to measure the surface temperature of one or more regions of the container as a function of time in the chamber.
 28. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of identifying a corresponding action if the at least one value is not within the acceptable range.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the corresponding action comprises modifying a process parameter.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein modifying a process parameter is performed by an automated tool.
 31. A system for monitoring and optimizing an industrial painting operation comprising a paint application system according to the method of claim
 16. 32. An intermodal shipping container painted by an industrial painting operation comprising a paint application system according to the method of claim
 1. 